This Clifton garden is one we constructed a while ago for clients who wanted a low maintenance space to enjoy in the summer. This meant losing the lawn and replacing it with a mixture of planting and cobble stones. The design was based on circles, like ripples, forming the central deck and retaining walls to the rear of the garden.
Following a beach theme, we added small decking stepping stones and by placing sleeper off- cuts vertically we simulated a groyne feature evoking a feature seen on many English beaches. The decking path through the cobbles – much like the boardwalk – has lighting which shines up through the boards illuminating the way to the rear deck. A set of concealed lights also runs around the rear of the deck casting light against the curved white wall at night.
There is a natural pond to one side of the deck. From this, water flows around the front in a small illuminated rill before falling into a smaller pool with driftwood and larger round boulders. Most of the planting is contained behind the two curved retaining walls. The taller, blue wall takes a bite out of the circular deck and also provides casual seating for the deck. The rest of the planting is set at ground level and encroaches – and softens, the cobbled surface.
Meanwhile, six lavender bushes line the “boardwalk, ” providing a powerful scent in high summer. Since building the garden 10 years ago, our clients have asked us to provide a six monthly maintenance programme which means we visit in spring and autumn to put the garden back to shape. This doesn’t just involve the usual weeding and pruning, which is essential, but also looking out for plants that are becoming lost in the undergrowth or replacing the occasional casualty of the winter season.
In this way, the planting evolves over the years and will continue to do so. By allowing us to make those twice yearly visits, our clients have been rewarded with a garden which has maintained its original concept while it has matured.
Tom Phillips, All Garden Designs, www.allgardendesigns.co.uk, Tel: 0117 9511923 / 07739 456765
Following a beach theme, we added small decking stepping stones and by placing sleeper off- cuts vertically we simulated a groyne feature evoking a feature seen on many English beaches. The decking path through the cobbles – much like the boardwalk – has lighting which shines up through the boards illuminating the way to the rear deck. A set of concealed lights also runs around the rear of the deck casting light against the curved white wall at night.
There is a natural pond to one side of the deck. From this, water flows around the front in a small illuminated rill before falling into a smaller pool with driftwood and larger round boulders. Most of the planting is contained behind the two curved retaining walls. The taller, blue wall takes a bite out of the circular deck and also provides casual seating for the deck. The rest of the planting is set at ground level and encroaches – and softens, the cobbled surface.
Meanwhile, six lavender bushes line the “boardwalk, ” providing a powerful scent in high summer. Since building the garden 10 years ago, our clients have asked us to provide a six monthly maintenance programme which means we visit in spring and autumn to put the garden back to shape. This doesn’t just involve the usual weeding and pruning, which is essential, but also looking out for plants that are becoming lost in the undergrowth or replacing the occasional casualty of the winter season.
In this way, the planting evolves over the years and will continue to do so. By allowing us to make those twice yearly visits, our clients have been rewarded with a garden which has maintained its original concept while it has matured.
Tom Phillips, All Garden Designs, www.allgardendesigns.co.uk, Tel: 0117 9511923 / 07739 456765