Garden Makeover Makes Wildlife Abound

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Garden Makeover Makes Wildlife Abound

Category: Flower Bed Design

Garden Design Project: FBDBHD001

Plan
Prior to this Garden Makeover the plot had become overgrown and views to the open countryside were obscured due the poor planting layout and overgrown hedges. Yet it offered so much more. A water feature consisting of a large water tank cut in half and containing a slimy mess of mud and rank water plants was situated not far from the terrace. All in all there was not much going for this garden.

Garden Makeover Project

The view from the field shows the mass of brambles that had completely suffocated the view and had overgrown the boundary fence. The Birch trees were swamped in brambles and like all the trees in the garden, they had suffered from poor pruning leading to unbalanced profiles with poor form.

The garden was completely cleared of all vegetation, starting with the brambles to give access to the site.

Garden Makeover Project

The site had been split into two parts with a hedge and trellis acting as a dividing point. Then different levels where found side-to-side and front to back, for some unknown reason. Garden detritus in the form of old tyres used to hold grass clippings, old corrugated iron sheeting used to form a log store and a dilapidated shed, plus the 'water feature' had to go. The plot was full of 'things' but nothing of value it all had to go.

Garden Makeover Project

The plot was completely cleared of all vegetation and as this progressed the actual size of the area could be seen and appreciated for the first time in many years. The 'borrowed views' of the open countryside could be seen and enjoyed from both the garden and the house. This was an exciting time as the potential of the garden was being revealed.

Garden Makeover Project

Just as the clearing of the garden was coming to an end winter strikes and work came to a halt as ground conditions became too muddy to continue. Thankfully, with the entire plot clear and the tree roots now removed, the stage was now set to start building a new garden.

Garden Makeover Project

The weather improves and although some of the ground remained too soft, one side offered firm ground to stack materials. Stone, sand and cement are brought in for building new walls each side of the terrace. With dry weather forecast work could progress as planned.

Garden Makeover Project

The new walls are built using stone from a quarry in Sussex to match in with the stonework of the barn built in the 1850's. The walls are doubled sided, meaning that the neighbours will enjoy the detail of wall just as the clients do. This meant that the neighbours were happy to accept the changes planned and were delighted with the improved boundary.

Garden Makeover Project

Once the walls have been completed, then work can start the rest of the project. The ground disturbance caused with the materials for the wall is soon put right and work begins on grading and levelling the rest of the garden. Clear skies mean the ground is drying out, which is an ideal time for working with the soil.

Estate fencing is erected and painted black on one boundary. Work starts on the construction of a superior wooden building sitting on low brick wall and rafters, with fully insulated walls and ceilings, double glazed windows and doors.

Garden Makeover Project

The building is split into a shed to house the garden tools and the other side a summerhouse, to enjoy the fabulous views across the fields. Trenches are dug for the electrical supply to the garden building and a water supply to the bottom of the garden, where a vegetable garden is to be sited. Green waste compost is used to improve the soil condition and ensure that the plants have a great start in their new home.

Garden Makeover Project

The planting is now almost complete and the garden is taking shape. The new terrace with its bonded resin finish can be seen in the foreground and is being protected with boarding. The estate fencing is now complete, running across the boundary with the field. The wooden building has been completed and the cedar cladding looks great.

With the lawn laid the new garden is complete. Redesigning a garden from scratch is always a challenge and very rewarding. From a garden with little room to walk around, no views and little interest to one with plenty of space, fabulous views and a wide variety of interesting plants in the flower borders that are suited to the soil and weather conditions.

After 3 years the garden has flourished and matured, with fully stocked borders. Now it is brimming with interest, colour and scent. Wildlife abounds and with minimal maintenance the garden offers a fantastic return on investment. This proves what can be achieved using professionals to turn around a garden in desperate need using a good garden designer and landscape team.

Submitted By: Barry Holdsworth Chelsea Flower Show Medal Winner
Website: www.barryholdsworth.com

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