Wednesday 11 April 2018

A major renovation project

When this client bought their house, it had a well established garden. But a bit too well established.  Many years before, a previous owner had planted conifers, no doubt not appreciating how large they would become over time. As a result a massive part of the garden was hidden, but also unusable.

So although this client loved the privacy and screening the conifers gave,  they did not love the look of the garden. They employed tree surgeons to remove and stump grind all the conifer roots and then Acorn Garden Services got involved at that stage to see the project through. The new design was however done before the conifers were removed.

The BRIEF

  • To create a family garden, with plenty of lawn, for football net and also apparatus. 
  • To provide interesting planting borders, without compromising the loss of the new lawn area
  • To keep the shed (what shed?  It was hidden amongst the foliage)
  • To retain the existing patio area next to the house
  • To provide an adult space to enjoy the evening sun

The SOLUTION..

(scroll down to bottom for BEFORE photos)

A few mature trees were planted by Tendercare Nurseries to provide some instant screening. All other shrubs and planting
done by Acorn Garden Services.  

The "G&T" patio, west facing with grasses  as well as perennial planting  to catch the evening sun, partially surround this small patio.  A patch of Lavender too. A small water feature was also added.
The existing lawn in the old "usable" part of the garden remains, with new lawn patched in around the side and
rear areas. Planting borders with Shrubs, climbers and perennials will very soon fill out with plenty of seasonal colour.


The patio was kept, however a new pathway introduced to walk through the new planting borders. This is sunny part of the garden, so will be full of color for many months.
It's only April and following a cold, wet winter, a few plants are a bit slow off the mark this year, but the garden will be filled with colour for many months. Here are a few of the developing buds, but shrubs to follow later are Buddlea, Physocarpus, Cotinus, Hebes, Euphorbia. And as well as several forms of grasses, there will be Asters, Verbena, Echinacea, Sedum, several Geraniums, Salvia. Agapanthus, Eringeum, Roses, Lavenderetc etc.  Accents of dark coloured foliage will be provided by Eupatorium Chocolate, Actea Chocoholic, Cotinus, and Heuchera.

Viburnum Tinus buds

Aubretia will tumble over the wall edges

Photinia Shoots 

Physocarpus Dart's Gold shoots

Veronicastrum  just appearing, will grow almost before your eyes to around 1.5mtres

Who doesnt love Alchemilla Mollis when it rains?

Acer Palmatum Garnet about to burst open

Amelancher buds just about to open too

Brunnera Betty Bowering. A white form of forget me not. 

Euphorbia Martinii. 
BEFORE.....


DURING.....

Tree surgery been done

Contractors remove the old raised patio area which was hidden under the conifers.

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