Redesign following extension - REVISIT 1 YEAR ON

I returned to revisit this client ONE YEAR AFTER COMPLETION of their project. They tell me that they continue to enjoy the garden daily, and spend a lot more time outdoors now with a choice of seating areas.  They look after it very well, and it was a pleasure for me to return to see how much they are enjoying it.  I designed and planted both Back and Front Gardens.

BACK GARDEN - 1 Year after completion

The border next to the pond now full with perennials. The pond is
viewed from the patio area and also the bench in the shade.

Clematis Arabella. A very floriforious variety

The gravel path gives access to the green house and shed
but also serves as a place for the clients many seasonal pots to be displayed

Digital Alba in the shadier part of the garden, where the bench offer relief from the mid day sun.

In the sunny border next the pond, silver Stachys with Pink Geraniums, will soon be joined by
deep pink Echinaceas, and purple Verbena.

One of the clients own Clematis in a pot adds a vibrant pink colour.

The brick edge to the lawn makes cutting the lawn quick and easy
and keeps the gravel in place.

FRONT GARDEN - 1 Year after completion

The  front garden now filling out, and the box hedging beginning to take shape.
Euphorbia Mysinities in the foreground just passing, and in a week or so will be replaced
by blue flowers of Campanula poscharskyana. Still to come Blue Geraniums and pink Persicaria Rosea.

Next to the front door, the dark leaves of Actea Pink Spire, which will give late season colour with
fabulous scent. The round leaves and white flowers of  Brunnera just finishing. The other dark
foliage beyond is Eupatorium Chocolate, which will be accompanied by Trycyrtis (Toad Lily).

A reliable shade loving Geranium is  Geranium Phaem.

THE PROJECT
Rather than move, people seem to be staying and extending their property these days. And as a result, many Acorn Garden Design customers have built over what was once the patio area. Time for a rethink.

THE BRIEF

Seating area
Vegetable raised bed
Places for pots
Interesting to look at year round

Both the customer, and I, were keen to keep a number of established trees and shrubs, allowing the garden to retain its established feel. Some pruning was necessary to remove some tree branches, and lift the canopy of some shrubs too, to allow more space and light to perennial planting below.

The stone patio leads onto a curvaceous lawn., and planting softens the edge of the pond. A small paved area was built for  a seat in the shady corner under the Prunus. The seat gets morning sun, so pleasant early in the day for sunshine, as well as somewhere to get afternoon shade.

Under the existing pergola. The new paving transitions to a small deck area to overhang the pond

The view looking back from the bench. 

The curved lawn.  A small raised bed for vegetables re positioned in the new design. The trellis with climbers, will soon screen the greenhouse from view.

  A narrow path allows access for picking the vegetables from the back of the raised bed, as well as access for maintenance to the borders under the trees

The trellis will disguise the greenhouse, clothed with Trachelospersum Jasminoides, and Golden Hop.
A sizable gravel area serves as a place to have pots as well as a path to the shed and greenhouse.

BEFORE, and the lawn extended right up the pond

BEFORE. Lacking structure and form, with lawn extending around the pond, and Ivy out of control on the fence

BEFORE. The Greenhouse and shed in full view, and the only planting areas around the edges, mostly shrubs.

Greenhouses are not the prettiest looking buildings, so I always try to screen them somehow so they are not quite so noticeable.