Suffolk
Garden Designs
This place is really interesting, particularly from an architectural point of view. The original cottage, which dates to the 1700s, is long and narrow with a big barn-like extension. The driveway ran to the back of the house and overall the house felt disconnected to the surrounding landscape.
The owners bought this place as their dream home. It’s one of those gardens that is being planned with an eye to the future and being mindful of the fact that their children will leave home and potentially grandchildren might come along.
The initial work involves renovating the existing hard landscaping, including the existing swimming pool and tennis court, as well as reworking the way visitors arrive. The owners also want a veg garden, more user-friendly spaces, areas for privacy, as well as ways to be drawn to different parts of the garden. It is also important that the garden works well with the architecture, connects the house to the landscape and feels as if it truly belongs.
A further important consideration was finding ways to deal with the weather conditions, because when the wind blows, it really blows.
Layout-wise it’s quite simple really and predominantly it’s been driven by the lines of the architecture and existing trees, particularly a beautiful old oak, then filling in the voids and making every space that was left useable. We’ve added a veg garden at the back of the house, that links with the swimming pool area, then there’s a break-out space with some fruit trees, another area with pleached trees and a sunken garden. To deal with the issue of water, that periodically runs into the garden, we’ve provided a central wildlife pool so that it’s less obvious when water comes and goes. Overall, we’ve connected areas up to bring a sense of movement and provide a narrative to previously of unlinked areas.
As for hard landscaping materials, we used natural stone throughout. There’s a mix of different sized terraces with materials referencing back to the building and in parts we’ve also used sawn stone for a slightly more modern feel. Other than that, it’s just local gravel.
With regards planting schemes, this is still a work in progress. We’re aiming for diversity and putting in layers – so smaller trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs etc – as a way of connecting the taller, existing trees to the rest of the garden. We will also include a selection of plants that ensure there’s interest throughout the seasons and as ever are mindful of habitat and food to encourage wildlife.
