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A dream garden for a ‘forever’ home

Transforming an empty space into a garden that could be enjoyed for many years to come, was the challenge set by the owners of this new house. The brief was to create a dream garden for this family’s ‘forever’ home that would provide areas for entertaining and relaxing all year round.

Although it was a new build, changing levels, poor drainage and soil quality all had to be taken into account in order to create an accessible, practical and private garden that was also beautiful to look at throughout the seasons.

Central to the design was the use of Welsh pillared slate to create low retaining walls and steps that lead to a large relaxed covered seating area surrounded by scented planting and climbers. Sawn-edged graphite limestone paving gives a contemporary feel, contrasting with the slate walling and sea-washed pebbles used as a mulch in the beds.

Stepping stones through gravel surrounding a fire-pit and cedar-topped seating lead to and from the sheltered outdoor cooking area and greenhouse to make the best use of the space behind the garage. In contrast, a large lawn softens the overall design and makes a feature of a striking specimen shrub.

A square raised bed next to a lower patio provide space for outdoor eating and to sit with a drink while enjoying the sound of bubbling water and the bees visiting the flowering shrubs and perennials.

“Right from the start of our project George and his team were brilliant, the guys onsite were professional and knowledgeable and we are so happy with the end result”

Duration
10 weeks

Location
Back garden
Benson, Oxon

Dimensions
15m x 25m approx

Call 01491 280447

Email info@greenart.co.uk
Facebook @greenartoxford
Instagram @green_art_garden_design

The Ups and Downs of creating a family garden

Creating a safe and practical space for the whole family to enjoy may not seem such an onerous task. However, when the gradient of the garden is close to 45 degrees and you can see over the top of the house from the end of the garden, most designers and landscapers would run a mile.

With many years’ experience of designing and building gardens in challenging environments, George was able to visualise the end result and reassure the client throughout the project that the team at GreenArt could deliver the impossible.

A series of curved dry stone effect Yorkstone walls set into the landscape retain the hillside to create a large terrace and flat lawn bordered by deep beds. Wide Yorkstone steps give access to the top of the garden where a belvedere provides a stunning view towards the Downs.

Planting pockets filled with climbers and perennials soften the stonework, while the family’s favourite fruit trees are underplanted with bulbs and low-growing shrubs.

Evergreen hedging and practical fencing provide peace of mind at the front of the newly refurbished family home to ensure the safety of young children playing in the garden.

View more photos of this fantastic garden here

Duration
10 weeks

Location
Front and back garden
Streatley, Berkshire

Dimensions
Half an acre

Call 01491 280447

Email info@greenart.co.uk
Follow @greenarttweets