screening in style in bookham

Brief

A wide but shallow garden that required an injection of planting to bring it alive and provide screening from the houses beyond.

Design and outcome

Photinia trees clipped in a pyramid shape formed the basis of the screening, along with large Laurus nobilis (Bay) specimens and cherry trees. The existing shrubs and plants were re-arranged, and extra plants added to fill in around topiary balls and climbers for the fence.

A new corner bed was built for a mature Olive tree, surrounded by lavender, alliums and blue hardy geraniums. The colour scheme for flowers was strictly white, blues, purples and some pinks.

A rectangular area outside the bifold doors was given a courtyard style make-over by replacing the grass with slate chippings and box hedging, French lavender, Festuca grasses and annual Cosmos. A central bespoke water feature made from a black polished square container is filled with black pebbles and surrounded by a low box hedge.

The straight clean lines in the garden contrast with the lush cottage style planting. Agapanthus love the south facing aspect and enjoy being restricted in their pots. The textured planters for Olives and Bays are in a soft, aged lead finish tying in with the gun metal furniture. My client's bedding displays in the hanging baskets and pots add flourishing finishing touches to a stylish garden now bursting with interest.

'Nancy turned my 'new build' desert into a beautiful, restful place to be.'
Mrs G, Bookham