The brief was to design an informal garden to include prairie style planting. A small terrace of sufficient size to accommodate a table and a couple of chairs was to be provided in an area which caught the morning sun. This was surfaced with Cotswold chippings, chosen to reflect the light and Verbena Bampton was planted into gaps to soften the edges and create a dramatic contrast with the pale gravel. The terrace was surrounded by planting in deep borders which included herbs, such as prostrate rosemary, encouraged to grow over the existing wall where it was handy for the pizza oven.
The clients were keen to separate the rear part of the garden, where existing raised vegetable beds and the compost bin were located, from the rest of the garden and this was achieved by a simple arrangement of posts linked with rope which provided an attractive and cost effective screening. Planting in deep, sloped borders disguised the level change.
Wide steps in the middle of the garden splayed out towards the upper level, providing an enticing route towards the end of the garden and an attractive focal point from the house. Gentle, sloped, grass paths enabled easy access for the lawn mower and wheel barrow to the compost bins at the rear.
I am delighted that the planting design for this garden has been shortlisted for an award in the Planting Design Category of the Big Impact Small Budget Awards.
Client testimonial: "Caroline has designed, planned, sourced and project managed a total redesign of our garden with which we are very pleased. In the initial planning stages, she listened to our own ideas and drew up plans as a basis for discussion and refinement and redesigned as necessary. We found her excellent at providing opinions based on her expertise whilst acknowledging our own ideas and requirements. She didn't rush us and indeed advised on some work which could be done in phases before the major work was commissioned. The final plan was thoughtful and detailed, including some practical elements which we would not have thought about e.g., an irrigation system. Caroline had a real vision for the potential of the garden, making the best of the natural gradients and creating some beautiful and artistic elements, together with a great planting plan to give the space structure and interest throughout the year. She handled the tender process efficiently and professionally, drawing up a comprehensive contract. Once the work commenced, she liaised closely with the contractors on site.
We are absolutely delighted with our new garden, and we would not hesitate to recommend Caroline for any or all of the above processes"