Family Garden

This client had recently done some work to the back of the property. The patio area no longer worked. The garden was not at all inspiring.

THE BRIEF

"Hide" the trampoline
Provide a patio space large enough for their family table, where it would enjoy the evening sun
Provide space for a water feature to be added later
Keep plenty of lawn
Plants to have interesting foliage
Plants with big blousy flowers
Plants to attract butterflies and bees

The trampoline seemed to be in the right place, but on full show. Trellis was introduced and the entrance to the trampoline turned around to allow a small path leading off of the new patio, to access the steps to the trampoline. A new planting border in front of the trellis will screen the trampoline, with a mix of evergreeen shrubs, a tall Hydrangea, a fast growing Golden Hop, as well as a relocated Acer Palmatum. The timber bed to the left will in time include the water feature.

On the south facing side of the garden, a existing vine now trained laterally, will clothe the fence. A Physocarpus Diablo adds height and echos the tones of the existing dark Acers in the garden. Clematis Montana will also clothe the fence. Sun loving Cistus Sunset, Caryopteris, Lavender, Verbena, Rudbekia and Heleniums, Hemerocasllis and Alchemilla Mollis will ensure plenty of colour over the coming months, and Dianthus will tumble over edges and add plenty of scent.

In the border crossing the garden, Stipa Gigantea grass will add plenty of movement and is placed to be enhanced by the westerly evening sun. Sedums, Geraniums, Poppy, Oregano and Tymne will all flower and replace the early colour from Allium Christophii...... The first bee coming into land shortly after planting!