Patio with Octagonal Lawn & Herringbone Brick Seating

Category: Driveways, Patio, Paving & Walls

Garden Design Project: DWSGST001

The Patio, Octagonal Lawn and Herringbone Brick Seating garden design was rough sketched and approved without using any Garden Design Software as the client was on a tight budget. The clients had recently finished the renovation of this old stone farmhouse and wanted to complete their home by finishing off the garden.

The brief was to have areas to sit and entertain, be surrounded by plants and to maximise the view across to Durham Cathedral. The plot was north facing so the seating had to be towards the rear of the garden. The rear of the garden was raised to make it one level which then maximised the view.

After careful marking out, the first job was to construct the retaining wall that divided the front and rear parts of the garden. Given the nature of the property I suggested using natural products for the construction including the construction of a new dry stone wall.

Construction of the herringbone seating area begins. This was laid on a 75mm compacted sub base and wet pointed for strength. The bench area has been planted with a selection of scented plants which will eventually make the area feel more enclosed and private.

The reclaimed stone steps and the foundation stones allow the Patio area to be raised from its present height. The arbour is up and all the matching sandstone sett edging is in ready for the paths to be installed.

The focal point from the entrance arbour is the planted pot in the center of the octagonal lawn which is surrounded by the reclaimed paving bricks.

The central plant was placed on an octagonal piece of sandstone which had been cut and set in to accommodate.

The dry stone wall either side of the wooden arbour blends nicely with the new pathways and the weathered stonework of the property.

The simple flower bed design is further enhanced by the strategically placed Standard plants in the tall flower pots which should grow on average 1m to 1.5m high.

The octagonal lawn with the focal point and the dry stone wall in the background.

Note the through stones which were made larger than usual to allow art to be displayed.

The Patio at the top of the garden provides a great place to entertain and relax.

Submitted By: Bob Tridgett  (BBC Gardener of the Year)
Website: www.gardensanctuaries.co.uk

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