PORTFOLIO

My clients recently moved to a picturesque 1600s converted barn located in the quaint village of Thurstonland, West Yorkshire with an existing garden in need of TLC. Years of neglect to the once loved garden presented an opportunity for the clients to have their dream garden come to life while retaining the garden’s original gorgeous stone walls. It was important for new garden features to feel as if they had always been part of the garden. This was achieved through thoughtful design and materials selection taking inspiration from formal English gardens to complement the existing features and local landscape character.

As part of the design package the phasing of works was considered for the implementation of the project, which is carried out in stages working within the clients’ budget over the next 5 years. The clients have divided up the decision making, with the lady of the house who has a keen eye for colour and passion for plants is taking the lead for everything ‘planting’ in the front and sunken garden – the gentleman is transforming the far back garden from an open lawn by planting a perennial orchard flower meadow and augmenting the hedge with flowering species. We worked closely together to select flowering plant species with a variety of flower and leaf colours, textures and movement that would provide a high visual impact.

The project is progressing ahead of schedule; the overgrown planting beds have been cleared; new patios, paths and raised timber planting beds constructed; and pleached Magnolias planted. The trees and yew hedge and arched feature will be planted over the winter period.

Front Garden

• Raised timber beds for herbs and scented plants
• Raised timber beds and baskets along garage
• Arched trellis with climbing roses along path framing the view of the entrance
• Existing raised beds planting refresh for colour and seasonal interest

Back Garden

• The existing sandstone patio along the home was expanded to increase the dining area while bringing symmetry by lining up with the path
• In the centre of the sunken garden geometric formal beds were constructed with intersecting gravel paths
• Sandstone paved seating area in the sunniest spot in the garden
• Existing raised beds cleared for new planting scheme to be implemented

Far Back Garden

• Perennial wildflower meadow and spring flowering bulbs with mown paths
• Orchard planted with apple and pear varieties within a perennial flower meadow