eclectic garden in
horley
Brief
A garden designed for a talented artist, the brief was for a colourful garden with lots of playful interest. The planting was to be full of vibrant colour.
An existing concrete paver path needed relaying and the decking was unsafe, so a new patio and step from the bifold doors was a priority.
A new secure gate for side access was also on the wish list and a solution for creating an interesting view from the dining room (originally a stark view of next door's brick extension).
Design and outcome
The original decking had been so slippery and unsafe, the replacement of it was high priority. We chose a concrete paver as it is a particularly non slip surface, laid in a herringbone pattern, with a curved shape as it meets the garden.
A slightly new position of the winding path lent itself to being framed by a series of timber arches, adding height and interest and also proving to be a useful means of hanging my client's beautiful decorations.
The garden is the result of an enjoyable and successful collaboration between myself, my client and the landscapers who utilised every piece of paver, slab and pebble, making it a very eco-friendly garden. The pebble mosaic in front of the bench was particularly pleasing.
Several of the existing plants were retained, including an Acanthus which, although removed and the path laid over it, was determined to come back!
At the end of the garden, there was a huge overgrown Rosa 'Rambling Rector'. Although it was very beautiful, I advised that it be pruned heavily, as it was taking up such a large part of the garden. When it was cut down severely to almost a stump, the rose 'wept' with sap at first, but has grown back very healthy and much more manageable, now trained on a side boundary.
The solution for the view of next door's extension was to erect a freestanding cedar baton screen, connected by wires for evergreen climbers. Painted black with turquoise strips it's a year round unique feature.
The black stained arches really stand out out amongst the wild and naturalistic planting and the sheds were also painted black with turquoise strips.
A swing at the end of the garden invites play!
The side gate was an inspired choice by my client; it was her original front door. It keeps alive fond memories and is a connection to the past.
Every piece in the garden has a special meaning or memory; the hanging discs were painted by party guests, the delightful mural art created by my client's nephew and the purple painted bench hand made by her father.
The garden is a joyful playground for relaxation, growing herbs and vegetables as well as beautiful to look at throughout the seasons. The patio and path are both now safe, the path leading to compost heaps and the shed, so very practical too.
'"Just wanted to say an enormous thank you for the design and planting plan you did for me. I am enjoying my garden so much, every day, it’s like a wonderful Jewel. It kind of nourishes me, I am loving the flowers, the shade, the several areas for sitting and reading , or chatting, or eating cake. And the swing! So soothing !"
Miss T, Horley
Arbours.jpeg
Arbours.jpeg
Rosa 'Cardinal Richelieu'.jpg
Rosa 'Cardinal Richelieu'.jpg
Bench 2.jpeg
Bench 2.jpeg
Summer mural.jpeg
Summer mural.jpeg
Book.jpeg
Book.jpeg
Wall batons.jpeg
Wall batons.jpeg
Arbours 4.jpeg
Arbours 4.jpeg
Summer bench.jpeg
Summer bench.jpeg
Cotinus.jpeg
Cotinus.jpeg
Purple bench.jpeg
Purple bench.jpeg
Alliums.jpeg
Alliums.jpeg
Rosa 'Cardinal Richelieu'.jpeg
Rosa 'Cardinal Richelieu'.jpeg
Pebble mosaic.jpeg
Pebble mosaic.jpeg
Mural art.jpeg
Mural art.jpeg
Geraniums.jpeg
Geraniums.jpeg
Sheds.jpeg
Sheds.jpeg