Janice Cripps  |  Beautiful Gardens by design 

A plant lovers garden

 

This large site was challenging for many reasons. It was on complex levels. It was heavily overlooked by neighbours. Two huge listed oak trees constrained the design options. And planting had to be done in stages to fit in with building work. The owners wanted privacy and plenty of space for their young children to play. Plant enthusiasts, they were also keen to see their favourite plants prominent in the design.

 

I created a planting plan to soften the reclaimed yorkstone terrace. A raised bed of purbeck stone and characterful railway sleepers managed the planting on very steep slopes. This planting ranges from informal naturalistic in hot colours to the more subdued formal parterre with its restrained soft pink and blue palette. Different parts of the garden take centre stage throughout the year. There’s a scented walk with fragrant flowering shrubs and a woodland area where the children can explore and make dens. It’s by no means low maintenance. And with so many plants, it was wise to install a rainwater harvesting system – the tank is screened from view of course. 

 

The garden has evolved slowly allowing the owners maximum input and continues as the needs of the family change.

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