This was a fantastic garden which was full of potential. Some Garden Designs create themselves and this was one of them. The garden had 4 distinct areas, including: Long narrow entrance, Open area with mature Magnolia soulangiana, An archway leading into another another narrow area finally leading to an Open rectangulare area which had newly finished extension. A newly built Granite back wall bordered the back boundary witgh mature Silver birch in the corner. This area lacked privacy. There was existing old paving in the first 3 areas which was really nice after a powerspray.
The clients and myself discussed the area and came up with the following wishlist:
- Re-use of existing paving
- Pergola
- Waterfeatures
- Wexford beach pebble
- 2 seating areas
- Hardwood decking
- Large entertainment/Barbecue area outside new extension
- Installation of hardwood decking up to internal floor levels
- Raised beds
- Garden lighting
- Low maintenance
- Privacy from overlooking properties in back area
- Contemporary/traditional
- Stepping stones
- All year round interest
The design I created covered all the above, including: Pergola over narrow entrance, Re-use of existing slabs into stepping stones, Use of 10mm Wexford beach pebble between slabs and within beds, Positioning of horse head sculpture, Urn waterfeature with central light, Small triangular seating area, Buxus ball feature walk leading into back garden, Hardwood decking to height of internal floor level, L shaped waterfeature with 3 Galvanised cascades and suitable utilities within, Raised rendered Acrylic beds, Raised beds capped with 600x300mm silver granite slabs, Patio created using silver granite surround with contrasting 600x300mm black limestone center, Cedar boundary, Pleached Carpinus betulus hedge for privacy.
Planting included The Carpinus pleached hedge along with Specimen planting to give instant impact. Underplanting comprised of 70% shrubs and 30% perennials for colour. I used Trachelospermum’s and Clematis armandii specimen climbers for the pergola and archway. Low Voltage Garden lights were strategically placed throughout, with Aquatic lighting within the waterfeature.
It was hard to predict but the waterfeature made too much noise. I installed galvanised chains within each chute which solved the problem and softened the sound. The clients were delighted with the results and posted the following five star review:
“Kevin designed a wonderful family friendly garden for us. Kevin gave us the garden we wanted. He had plenty of ideas and practical advice. From initial consultation right through to completion of our garden we found Kevin and his team to be very professional, respectful and courteous. We would have no hesitation in recommending him“
This Garden went on to win an ALCI Award Garden status. It was also featured on RTE’s ‘Contrywide’ with Ann Cassin.
