white garden in
reigate

Brief

The brief was to add interest with new borders to this new build garden (around 7 years old) and to also renovate the planting in the 2 banks either side of the steps. Screening from a neighbour's 2nd floor terrace was required for when sitting at the patio dining table, and also shade required from the hot sun on the south facing patio.

There were a number of manholes dotted around the garden and part of the brief was to disguise them if possible.

An elegant white flowered theme was chosen for the planting, with traditional roses, iris, lavender and peonies.

Design and outcome

Firstly, the screening was tackled, achieved by extending an existing leylandii hedge along the garden boundary. As a back-up, we also planted multi-stemmed Amelanchier canadensis near the patio which will provide a light canopy of leaves and may also serve to reduce the effect of the hot sun on the south facing patio. An awning may be installed at a later date.

The low maintenance evergreens planted by the developers in the 2 banks either side of the steps to the lawn were completely removed in order to re-plant as the existing hebes and lavender had got too woody to save. New Rolawn www.rolawn.co.uk topsoil was added and a low retaining wall at the front was built with a mint sandstone coping stone (riven edges) which also acts as an occasional seat. The landscapers were able to find a great match for the lovely multi-coloured bricks of the house and they blend in seamlessly. The planting here consists of Ilex topiary balls for evergreen structure and soft swathes of Gaura lindheimeri, Salvia, white lavender, Rosa 'Kent' and Stachys 'Big Ears'.

New curved borders in the lawn area were created to incorporate the manhole covers. As long as trees are not planted within 3 metres from any underground pipework it is safe to plant around them. The borders were planted up with a mixture of trees, shrubs and flowering perennials which are mostly white but also some lime green and very pale pinks.

Multi-stemmed birch trees, Betula jacquemonti 'Doorenbos' have stunning white bark and Magnolia 'Stellata' and Camellia 'Snow Queen' will flower at the very beginning of Spring to extend the interest throughout the seasons. Hydrangea 'Annabelle' has dramatic balls of white flowerheads in mid-late summer and 'Madame Emile Moullière has long flowering white/pale pink heads. Yew topiary balls provide structure and a contrasting foliage colour and at the back of the border shrubs include Cornus elegantissima and Viburnum 'Roseum'. A steeply sloped bank was planted wth ferns, Vinca 'alba' and Euphorbia robbiae.

Irrigation throughout the borders gave the best possible start for the plants and will provide an on-going benefit. Lighting was also installed for the focal point trees and shrubs and some side steps.

''You did such a great job with the garden and it’s made a huge difference to our enjoyment of our outdoor space. There’s so much beauty and interest out there now and we are enjoying nurturing it and watching it grow and develop.''

Mr and Mrs P, Reigate