'design and build'
'The transformation of my front garden has given me lots of pleasure. Lou and Andy were keen from the outset to produce something that reflects my personality and interests, and the result certainly does! It is a tribute to their painstaking approach.'
(Ian Gray - Parkstone Poole)
A 'haven for stopping'...... The Bus Stop Garden Design comes to completion! Coinciding with Ian Gray's retirement from the bus industry after 40 years service.
The inspiration for the design came about through conversation with Ian back in the spring. He was unsure exactly what to do with his front garden, but through his story and love in working for the buses the design concept became very clear to Lou & Andy. Especially when Ian mentioned a vintage bus stop sign post he had, which could be included in the design!
Ian grew up in this house & can even remember his original love for driving buses when he would cycle round the apple tree in the back garden imagining stopping at various destinations.
It's been an unusual project to undertake and one that really highlights the love in creating unique designs that Lou & Andy at Haven Spaces love to do. Reflecting the character of their client and utilising all the space, which in turn provides a real useable space to stop, sit or even stand and stare as you pass by!
Before
After
The sleeper bench/planter includes a pear espalier & other plants for texture, wildlife and fragrance...
The heucheras anchor the existing cherry tree...
Perspective view along the garden showing the new wall, galvanised edging where the box planting will establish a low hedge in each of the 4 planting pockets...
Sleeper stepping stones with alpines that will eventually blur the edges...
A pavement view for passers by to gaze...
Wrought iron obelisks dotted around the garden to compliment the existing wrought iron railings, which escaped being melted down in the war! (Apparently the last remaining ones in the street!) These obelisks provide a haven for a climbing rose (a favourite of ours, that has the strongest fragrance, which will fill this space), a white clematis and a jasmine like flowering fragrant climber...
'Vintage bus stop sign added'
December 2016
It was lovely to see Ian again and install the bus stop sign he had renovated. As you can see it looks quite tall, but apparently this is how they looked; there would be an equal amount of green and cream colour showing. It really does finish off this unique project!
It was lovely to see the garden filling out - especially the heucheras at the base of the cherry tree and even the dead flower heads on the verbenas looked very architectural!