Category: Landscaping

Background: Seven years ago, we embarked on a heart-warming project. Our client, mourning the loss of his nature-loving wife, desired to transform his mossy lawn into a bold and impressive garden. This was to be a living tribute to her passion for conservation. The challenge was to redesign a garden dominated by a giant Wellingtonia Sequoia, which made the soil dry and reduced light availability. Design and Implementation: Our vision was to create a wildlife-friendly garden, honouring our client’s late wife’s love for nature. We removed the entire lawn, replacing it with meandering paths that weave through mixed perennial and shrub island beds. This design not only revitalized the landscape but also encouraged diverse flora and fauna to thrive. Key features included: Woodland-Friendly Plant Selection: We selected plants that flourish in woodland conditions, enhancing biodiversity while creating new habitats. Mandala-Shaped Rockery: A raised rockery, favourite for alpines and succulents, became a secluded haven for solitary bumblebees and field mice. Water Features: A soothing fountain was installed to mask road noise, and a small pond, teeming with oxygenating plants, attracts birds for bathing. Bird Feeder: This feature brought an array of birds, including blue tits, coal tits, and occasionally goldfinches, adding vibrancy and life. Transformation and Benefits: The garden’s transformation was immediate and dramatic. The influx of bees, birds, and butterflies was a testament to our successful creation of a thriving ecosystem. This transformation wasn’t just physical; it profoundly impacted our client’s mental welbeing. As the garden flourished, so did his spirit. Ongoing Developments: Over the years, we’ve collaborated with our adventurous client, now nearly 90, to continually enhance the garden. We’ve added vegetable patches and, this year, plan to introduce a raised bed for cut flowers. Each new feature not only enriches the garden’s biodiversity but also brings immense joy and purpose to our client. Conclusion: This wildlife garden is more than a collection of plants and pathways. It’s a sanctuary for nature, a living memory of a loved one, and a source of daily inspiration and joy for our client. It stands as a beautiful example of how gardens can be both a tribute and a source of continual renewal and happiness.

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Background: In Surbiton, our client with a passion for the environment and two energetic Springer Spaniels faced a dilemma. Her dogs were damaging the lawn, and she yearned for a garden that reflected her environmental values, especially now that her children have grown up. She wanted her Edwardian-style home to be complemented by a garden that resonated with the Arts and Crafts movement of that era. Design and Implementation: Our approach was multifaceted, aiming to create a dog-friendly garden that also catered to local wild-life and adhered to sustainable practices. Pond Installation: We incorporated a pond, unsure initially how the dogs would interact with it, but so far, they’ve adapted well. This feature not only adds aesthetic value but also promotes biodiversity. Stained Glass Inspiration: Drawing from the home’s beautiful stained-glass front door, we incorporated similar design elements into the hardstanding area for the fire pit, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Sustainable Pathways: In line with the Edwardian house, we built a brick and cobble path, avoiding cement due to its high carbon footprint. We used a “floating” path design with lime mortar, enhancing sustainability and reducing flood risk. Garden Zoning: The garden was divided into distinct areas using a copper beech hedge and an archway. This led to an Earthbag bench near the pond, providing a serene viewpoint. Earth bag Bench: Utilizing techniques for building sustainable Earthbag homes, we constructed an Earthbag bench, an innovative and environmentally friendly feature. Repurposing and Recycling : Keen to minimize waste, we reused healthy topsoil on-site instead of disposing of it, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability. Storage for Recreational Equipment: Recognizing the need to store the large table tennis table, we created a screened-off area to house it when not in use. Pollinator and Dog-Friendly Planting: The planting scheme was carefully devised to accommodate various micro-climates, like the west-facing wall and frost pockets. The selection was both pollinator-friendly and suitable for a garden frequented by dogs. Challenges and Solutions:: Ensuring the garden was both pet-friendly and a haven for wildlife was a primary challenge. We meticulously chose plants and garden features that would withstand energetic dogs while supporting local ecosystems. Future Plans: This garden is still a work in progress, but it’s shaping up to be a sanctuary that captures both the evening sun and sunsets, offering a peaceful retreat for the client. The integration of historical design elements with modern sustainability practices demonstrates how a garden can be both beautiful and environmentally conscious. Conclusion: This Surbiton garden project highlights how thoughtful design can reconcile the needs of pets with a desire for wildlife-friendly spaces. It showcases the potential of a garden to be an extension of one’s environmental values, creating a space that is not only a tribute to historical styles but also a testament to contemporary sustainable practices.