Bowness Road
After a time of change and health problems that affected her mobility, our client had decided to make some changes in her garden so that she was able to enjoy the space again.
Sadly, after reaching out to a local gardener for help, she was badly let down when he disappeared part way through the job and left her with a mess of soil and timber, and an un-built garden.
Happily, Lakeland Gardens were able to step in at this stage, and after a bit of a redesign, began works to bring the garden back to life, and build the garden that our client so wished for.
The main requirement of the new design was that it should be easily accessible. Other requests included some form of barrier on the boundary with next door, as well as some privacy from neighbours to the back. She also wanted a water feature, a small shed for storage, a seating area at the top of the garden to catch the last of the sun, and a convenient place to keep the bins. An existing patio outside the kitchen, under the shade of an immense red Acer tree, was to be kept, whilst everything else required alteration.
A keen gardener, with a wide knowledge of plants, our client enjoys a more naturalistic planting style, with a particular love of grasses and flowering plants that attract bees and butterflies. She dearly wanted a garden that she was able to access more easily, with distinct areas of interest at different times of the day, and of the season.
The Solution
The first job for Lakeland Gardens was to undo all the work that had been carried out previously. Quantities of timber were removed and sold on behalf of the client, and landscaping began to reconfigure the ground for the new design.
The sloping garden was split into two distinct levels, linked by a gradually sloping gravelled path, with two shallow steps to take you into the upper terrace, with handrails each side for safety. A previous set of stone steps has been repurposed as a small rockery, planted up with Erigeron, Nepeta and Campanula.
In the upper section, a paved terrace was built to house our clients swing seat, which is ideally situated to quietly enjoy the last of the evening sunshine. In front of this terrace is a wide border, at the centre of which sits a gently babbling water feature; a simple low stone with a central spout, out of which the water tumbles into a pebble covered base. This border is filled with swaying, rustling grasses, and seasonal flowers such as Allium, Echinacea, Iris, Lavender, Agapanthus, and Rudbeckia.
On the other side of the path, a small, neat shed has been positioned unobtrusively in the corner. In front of this a small, multi stem birch tree softens the appearance of the side of the shed, and will grow to screen the upstairs windows of the neighbours to the rear. The pretty, dancing leaves bring a dappled shade and add variety of heights to the upper garden.
The lower section of the garden, separated by a low wall, is planted in contrast to the upper section. Herbaceous perennials and spring flowering bulbs define this lower area. Hosta, Heuchera, Tulip, Peony, Fern, Primula and Hellebore bring variety of colour and texture throughout the seasons.
Climbing plants such as clematis, rose and star jasmine cover the fencing, giving a feeling of greenery and life throughout the year, as well as scent through the summer months.
A Portuguese laurel hedge has been planted in place of the boundary fence that had regularly been blown over in strong winds. Turning a corner at the top of the driveway, the hedge also offers screening from the street. The dark evergreen foliage brings a feeling of nature and movement to an area that was once bald, characterless wood. A smart new shelter has been built to house the bins, hiding them behind slatted wood, and easily accessible on bin day.
The Outcome
A pretty, easily accessible garden, filled with colour, texture and scent throughout the year. Movement abounds with the dancing leaves of the birch and cherry trees, and the swishing fronds of Miscanthus and Pennisetum. Gentle sounds of rustling grass and singing water pervade the upper garden, bringing easement to the soul. Pretty scents of sweet rose and jasmine are caught on the breeze. And, most important of all, our client is able to safely make her way around the garden to enjoy all the delights that it has to offer. Sitting in her swing seat as the day draws to a close, drinking in the delights of nature, watching bees and butterflies as they revel in the floral haven.
“Thank you so much for my beautiful garden! I am absolutely delighted with all the hard work and attention that went into it.”
Barbara
