Northamptonshire Country Garden And Plant Design
About This Project
The brief for this project was to work with the majority of the existing hardscaping layout, iepathways and patio around the house, but also to develop the driveway area and to screen a large oil tank. The existing planting had been neglected for a number of years and was to be updated.
Heavy, overgrown Laurel and rambling roses that were casting a lot of shade over the lawn were removed; the planting bed was reshaped and then replanted with a central ornamental tree (Malus transitoria) combined with shrubs, perennials and bulbs to ensure structure, colour and interest throughout the year. The Malus with it’s blossom, foliage and fruit provides a focal point to be enjoyed from the kitchen sink window.
To give a sense of atmosphere, planting beds were created around the patio. To soften the edges of the stone and to provide herbs for the kitchen fragrant creepers, such asThyme and oregano, were planted. Tall perennials were added to create a see-through veil from May to September giving the sense of intimacy to the patio area. The planting is framed by the backdrop of a low Yew hedge which gives winter structure and creates the feel of a ‘garden room’.
Thesouth-east facing border was widened and planted predominantly with grasses and perennials, designed to reach it’s peak in colour during the summer. Grasses relate to the open countryside beyond the garden. They provide interest for 10 months of the year and are gloriously backlit in the evening sunshine from May to February. Perennials with interesting seed heads were used in the design to combine well with the grasses and to maintain structure and interest through the winter.
The north facing border provides the perfect aspect for plants with fabulous foliage including Hostas, Heucheras, Astilbes and Ferns giving a distinct atmosphere to this area.
The oil tank was disguised very effectively by creating a wood shed around it with safe access to the tank. The roof was clothed in sedum giving wonderful views from an upstairs window.
An existing aged Malus is in the process of being renovated by selective pruning over the next three years. It has been underplanted with a matrix of ferns, carex,Sarcococca and Astrantiasand many spring bulbs and early flowering perennials to provide additional early interest and fragrance in the late winter and spring.
The garden is enjoyed through the year by the owners with areas of interest through every season which are held together with year round structure.
