‘Planting Design/Mini Make-over’
‘One word….Wow!!!
We were overwhelmed with emotion when we saw the transformation of our garden. The result of creative vision and sheer hard work by Haven Spaces has given us the most beautiful garden.
Lou’s eye for plants and their combinations is just gorgeous, and together with Andy, they have given us a garden that has exceeded our expectations.
We cannot recommend this duo of Haven Spaces enough and are so grateful for the amazing result they have given us. Thank you both!’
(Sam & Scott Burford - Southbourne)
A beautiful planting pallet to choose from and most of the above has been included in this project. Lou & Andy will be returning to add the remaining perennials next year once they become available…
before
after
A challenging steep slope that was subtly softened creating a series of tiers by initially carving a path through the space leading up to the pine tree and petering out at the top. The edge of the path was both defined & the steep side camouflaged using the Purbeck stone like ‘dry stone walling’. A lower path behind the first sleeper wall merged off and again petering out, this too created a lovely negative angular shape where the two paths meet, and a perfect spot for the ‘cloud tree’.
more details
The lavenders and rosemary that were lost in this bank were grouped like a small hedge to the left side of the steps & underplanted with some heathers we also found… The palms looking more at home clustered in this corner, which now create a soft mediterranean feel (that Scott likes) before the bank transitions into the more Japanese feel…
A handful of plants not on the design were hand picked from suppliers for both their unusual and Japanese style qualities e.g. heucherella and two very unusual cystus varieties with the prettiest of bi-colour flowers in spring!
Even dwarf varieties of euonymus that look very similar to Japanese holly, but these with a more lush tight growth appearance…
The alternate hedging plants are a good stocky size, so they will not take long to establish into a colourful interesting hedge (see Planting Design above for the varieties chosen). One of the new hydrangeas hanging onto its foliage for now…
The oak sleepers were anchored in with posts for added strength…
before
A jumbled mess….
Not a nice view…
after
The addition of a particular colour to the render has been suggested that will both compliment the planting design, but also be easier to keep clean compared to the very light reflecting white, not always practical in such an open space when there is full sun...
Although access to walk through the space was not a wish at the beginning, as we progressed Sam felt she would like to have the choice… and this path now feels like its always been there is perfect!
Lots of ‘dwarf’ varieties in this garden, such as conifers, rhododendron & azalea (see planting design above).
A selection of ferns nestled against some of the Purbeck stone, creating a lovely display all of their own in a shady part of the space… foxgloves and alliums to be added later!
Variegated dwarf rhododendron with it’s pretty leaves…
Quite a few plants as sticks, such as dwarf cherries and hydrangeas, which will be a dramatic display in the spring summer…. colour and interest all year round in this garden…
During the build you can see the carved path and membrane being laid under the ‘Cerney chippings’, which are a trusted material to use both for its aesthetic quality as well as it locking together well under foot.
A few damp days on site and a muddy mess as the space was marked out and shapes starting to emerge…