Janice Cripps | Beautiful Gardens by design
 Country garden in France |  My original vision was to create a grander entrance to the property |
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 In the first season of planting, the garden really takes off. The growing conditions are excellent here. |  Roses, astrantia and irises |
 A triple hedge of beech, yew and box at different heights are a strong design feature in the garden and a line of pleached limes add privacy from neighbours |  Three dimensional image of the design for the rear garden |
 Sunken firepit - work in progress |  The construction of the water rill and planting borders are underway |
 The terrace has been paved with smooth limestone imported from Belgium and the umbrella trees for the living arbour have been planted |  Work in progress but there's still a chance to relax once in a while |
Before photo - front garden
Before photo - rear garden
Country house in Northern France
The owners of this large 18th century country house wanted a impactful contemporary but formal garden that made the most of their stunning views. Their brief included various seating options for sun and shade, a firepit, a water feature, a large terrace for entertaining and somewhere they could occasionally play boules. They also wanted a log store and screening from the house next door. My design makes the most of local materials and incorporates topiary, pleached hedging, a living arbour and a parterre.
Construction work has begun. The big challenge is to create a garden that meets the brief for formality but still blends seamlessly into the surrounding countryside. My solution is a marginal garden that bridges the gap between formal and informal. Check back regularly to see how work progresses.