Larger Projects

Family home in Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire.

This hi-spec modern property had a large but featureless garden. The clients knew they wanted a substantial area of decking & borders in which to grow shrubs and vegetables. Given the layout of the patio and the inevitably poor quality of soil in new builds, after consultation it was decided to install extensive raised beds alongisde one fence and around the patio. Stepping stones would lead from the patio to the decking area where a summer house would be erected. Over time immature trees would provide the path with shade.

The triangular segment was filled in with limestone topped off with slate chippings to provide an area for potted plants and possibly some sort of outdoor objet d'art. As the tree in front of it grows, it will provide ever more shade area in the summer, giving the clients a different variety of planting options to the rest of the south-facing corner bed (as does using pots, of course - what soil does this plant prefer? Here you go!). An indomitable frog lived in the corner so providing access around the perimeter of the fence was an interesting additional challenge.

With the structure in place, all that remains is for the clients to plant out their favourite shrubs, roses, climbers and herbs. It won't take long for the hardscaping to be softened and the garden transformed by all manner of colours and textures.