An owner who is a real garden lover, spending many happy hour, relaxing in the tranquility of their space needed that extra special finish to a much loved garden.
Removal of the old ‘dangerous’ decking and creating a safer level. Also moving the concrete fish pond slightly more into the garden. And finally creating a level area from the drive area to the new decking.
The original decking… the client had recently fell off the steps which gave reason to have it changed. The old pond with the clients treasured fish has seen better days…The new pond moved slightly more into the garden…
Let the changes begin…
So the first move was to move the fish pond further away from the house, but making it deeper and a little larger. We suggested to make the new pond go a little under the decking to have a shaded area for the fish.
Using Tobermore blocks, the same as used in the earlier works for the client, keeping the continuity throughout, the aim was to reduce the flow of water coming onto the drive from the raised kerb edge.
So a drain/soakaway was needed to be made. This was created by adding a slimline and discreet drain to avoid any stones going into the gully and the water to be moved into the nearby conifers and planting area.
The final finish is both useable and purposeful, together with style. The few inch of stones running up to the edge have been cemented in so to avoid any ‘bump’ when you drive on and off. Simply and effective tricks gained from experience.
I think this one speaks for itself… A useful side pathway, not being used due its untidiness and general mess. Most caused by the leaves from the roadside trees above.
So is that better? Well I think that goes without saying… the original finish was the classic ‘builders finish’, nothing wrong with it but no design or concern about how you actually live with that finish. This now has simple access for the shed. The whole area was lifted and then blended in with the original slabbing and edging. It would of been easier to of changed all the edging and the slabs, also making some of the details that bit neater but there has to be a stop somewhere! Also the original fence line is about 10″ out of line so that had to be accounted for carefully with a way that draws your eye away from it. This being the angled blocks above, which when the second phase of blockwork gets done will be repeated on the next corner.
The concept is to remove the heavy dominance of the fencing, the continuous use of peebles and replacement of old conifers & poor grass for better planting and a fresher look….
So much cleaner and a neat area in general, easier to clean up the leaves and general mess. The drain has been lifted to stop it blocking. The block edge was lifted about 100mm and stone removed and dug to help drainage and to stop the occasional flooding that was occurring. A recycled stone edge was added to retain the stone and reduce any excess water going to the house.
The remaining areas are now ready for planting, which will be done by Design & Garden very soon…
Design & Garden. The Derby-based Landscape Company, Est 2002
Whatever you require, Paving, Decking, Turfing, Fencing or Planting it is what we do.And if you want a total refit, that’s not a problem either.
From a passion for Garden Design and strangely Interior Design in the 1990s, visiting many NGS Open Gardens and National Trust properties led to a desire to start Landscaping.
After completing a Landscape and design course at Broomfield Horticulture College in 2000, I waited almost two years working on friends’ and families’ gardens before feeling confident & competent enough to start working on clients’ homes.
Private House in Gloucestershire @designandgarden
It is notabout how fast you get a job done, it’s how well it looks and above all, how long the construction and design lasts! It’s the bits you don’t see that make strong foundations for a long-lasting job.
Over the years, work increased from small patios to large complex jobs to working with property developers on large complexes. Also, I spent a period of time helping with designing and directing spaces for people. Over 20 years of being involved in and around gardens and all their complexities.
Get in touch now for a trusted long-serving and experienced Landscaper to review your garden.
Over the years, jobs have been completed in many areas, covering all of Derby, Nottingham, London, Manchester, Swindon, and as far as Cornwall.
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