Brief
Sam and Ben’s estate comprises several distinct garden areas. While our initial role was maintenance, the clients sought new projects that would create cohesion across the landscape and offer moments of surprise as one moves through the grounds.
Design Approach
We began with a challenging elevated woodland site, exposed to strong winds. Here, we introduced resilient shrubs, perennials, and bulbs, chosen for both durability and seasonal interest.
Next, a large border was planted with a restrained palette of perennials, grasses, and bulbs. Planted en masse, these selections provided bold sweeps of movement and colour, offering contrast yet cohesion with the existing gardens.
A former grazing field was transformed with pathways weaving through newly planted shrubs and trees. Long mounds lined the paths, planted with low-growing perennials for structure. Plant choices reflected both the landscape and ecology, ornamental hawthorn and Berberis for structure, balanced with natives such as gorse to support pollinators.
Outcome
Further development across the estate included a productive vegetable garden, a landscaped driveway, and the enhancement of a sloping bank. Throughout, large drifts of bulbs were planted en masse, creating striking seasonal displays that unify the estate and enrich the garden experience.
