My heart sunk momentarily when I first caught site of what was a ‘sea’ of tarmac at the front of a detached bungalow in a residential street. I had received a call from the client saying that her husband had always promised her a lovely garden but it had never happened! Out of her window there was nothing to look at apart from cars parked in the road, and even worse no wildlife at all even though the river was very close by.
Getting over my initial negative thoughts suddenly everything seemed very exciting as I had a blank canvas. Could I ‘make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear’?
A strong curving design based on three circles creating two paths and a circular seating area was implemented to trick the eye away from the rectangular shape of the space and give the illusion of a journey to the front door. This combined with strong planting in vibrant colours gives the garden interest throughout the year. Narcissi and tulip bulbs give initial spring interest which then explodes into colour during the summer months. Box hedging and topiary provide structure in the winter.
The client loves the garden and even ordered some worms for it, which in turn feeds the robin!!