An English Garden

The brief for this Grade II listed manor house was to create a garden that was in keeping with the property whilst providing a modern outdoor living space for a growing family.

The front garden had to do the house justice and create an impressive albeit welcoming statement. Mature specimen cherry trees were craned into position and now make an immediate impact that is proportionate to the house facade. Beneath, parterre box hedging gives the formal structure whilst flowering, scented perennials spill over onto the reclaimed York flagstones.

In the rear the structured and informal blend. Arched willow branches create a living tunnel encouraging exploration. A formal avenue of standard magnolia grandiflora lead away from the main terrace to the open striped lawn.

Finally a personal touch to this space was the hidden vegetable garden created as secret getaway where the fruits of the client’s labour could find their way to the al fresco dining table.

A project that we have overseen for several years now through different phases and evolutions this garden truly changes character with each season. A Grade II listed farmhouse dating back to the early 17th century; a contemporary wing was planned and our brief was to create a garden that embraced both the traditional and the modern.

The swimming pool and terrace sit amidst a wildflower meadow which banks up to enclose the space providing a private sunbathing idyll. The meadow extends to a small orchard where fruit trees are surrounded by cosmos, cornflower and wild poppies. Large prairie style planted beds showcase grasses that provide both movement and architectural form catching both the early morning light and frost.  An avenue of parasol trained plane trees lead from the house through the orchard to the natural pool. A collaboration with award winning blacksmith James Price produced the bespoke lightweight pergola providing a structure over the dining terrace for the newly planted wisteria.

Mark’s signature flourishes can again be seen in the hand-laid terrace mosaics using the salvaged tiles from the original 17th century roof.