Faithful To Nature

Brief:

This client has suffered serious health issues over the last 5 years, but has recovered well. She would like the garden to elevate her mental health, and invite as much wildlife and biodiversity into her garden as possible.

Site notes:

Newly built garage to be retained and worked into the design
oil tank to be retained, but re-positioned
Septic tank on site giving client issues

Reducing and reuse

I chose to remove the cast concrete kerbing, as I felt it took away from the overall aesthetic appeal of the outside space of this property. I chose to replaced it with a gate to allow for privacy and safety. The concrete kerbing was recycled and used to create the driveway tyre tread, and the pavers set in the gravel leading to the hard landscaping and the house.

Creating the driveway

In between the tyre treads I added a mass of low growing creepers. The tarmacadam surface was completely removed as it no longer fit with the wildlife garden style we were creating. The boundary wall along the driveway is covered with ivy for decoration. This also reduces the local green house effect which is created in the evenings, when hard landscaping releases heat stored from the sun.

Retaining what works

The garage is still reasonably new so it was retained. I chose to covered it with ivy which will decrease the local greenhouse effect in the evenings, and camouflage the garage into the garden.

Naturalizing the path

A gravel path takes you under three pergolas, which are decorated with climbing roses – these are scented, which immediately evokes a sense of calm when entering the garden. If you take the left path past the garage you will notice log piles strategically placed at specific points to provide insects with habitat. Different sized rocks are also placed along the pathway to naturalize the path and the flowerbeds.

Utilities

The oil burner was moved behind the garage at the client’s request. This way it is still accessible, but not a focal point. The path leading behind the garage will also bring you to the septic tank. This will be covered using an artificial rock cover. The septic tank has been giving the client trouble for some time, so when the garden was being redone it was decided that it would be the best time to install a new septic tank, this meant moving it was a valid option. The new location ensures it is out the way, but still easily accessible.

Attracting wildlife

Turning around, you will walk under two beautiful trees which will have insect hotels,and bird feeders attached to them. This pathway winds around the garden, and gives the client the option to take an amble around her large outside space. Walking backup towards the house you will notice a bird feeder stand teaming with birds; this was positioned to be enjoyed from the rear patio. The rear boundary wall and the south west boundary wall is decorated with honeysuckle, this will attract a multitude of insects, but is of particular value to an endangered moth.

Keeping the wildlife safe

The beautiful pond is the focal point in this side of the garden, and will provide plenty of wildlife with a place to drink. The sides of the pond are slopped; with a few rocky exit points to ensure no wildlife drown in the water.

The perfect spot for a spot of tea

Walking over the three recycled pavers onto the chevron patio – this is the perfect spot to enjoy the morning sun. The client can even sit on the edge of the patio, and dangle her feet in the water while watching the birds feed, enjoying a cup of tea. This will be a space for her to appreciate all the wildlife in her garden.

Following the sun

Walking around the side of the house, you will notice the chevron patio wraps around this side allowing an easy journey from one side of the garden to the other. This means that the client is easily able to follow the sun, as the front patio will receive beautiful afternoon sun. The flowerbed in the middle of the chevron patio will have ivy growing in it. This will allow for green to be seen out of the two large glass doors, and will minimize the local green house effect in the evenings when the wall releases the stored heat.

Under the cherry trees

Coming down onto the gravel path in front of the afternoon chevron patio, you can amble down the pathway, and under three timber pergolas. The pergolas are decorated with climbing roses which are highly scented, and loved by pollinators. At the T junction, if you turn right you will be brought under some beautiful cherry trees, up to the front door. If you go left, you will walk under a canopy of cherry trees back down towards the gate. The cherry trees are adorned with insect hotels, butterfly hotels, bird feeders and houses. This is to attract a multitude of wildlife into the garden.

Hopeful hedgehog home

A hedgehog home will be placed in the western corner of the property, with hope of a little hedgehog making this garden its home.

A long journey

The pathways were created to allow for a long journey through the garden, to allow for exercise, but also contemplation and appreciation of the garden.

Transportation

The planting scheme only uses plants that benefit wildlife in some way, and was kept natural and unordered. I wanted the design to feel like a wild paradise. Like the property wasn’t in London, but somewhere quiet and peaceful.

I thoroughly enjoyed designing this site.

Design and write up by Kim Graham