Gardens Forever

Hard Landscape

The landscape style followed was more ‘minimalistic’ with a simple layout as far as hard landscaping is concerned, so that the overall space is not perceived as overcomplicated. The planting areas had height differences with raised planter beds made of block wall cladded in granite around the front patio with three features cladded in a dark porcelain to accentuate the area and two of these demarcated with large flowerpots.

We introduced a large patio space at the rear sliding doors to the house as most of the morning sun would be prevalent there and also to create a feeling of depth from the house interior. Another open seating area was placed on the North- West side for entertainment proposes and one on the North- East side for outdoor cooking / BBQ area and an overflow high use play area that could be used all year round (table tennis etc).

Natural stone in the form of Granite was used for all the patio areas since they are long lasting as opposed to precast concrete products that can ultimately deteriorate and become discoloured from lichens given, they are a porous material. The various ‘zones’ allow for a secluded jacuzzi area, large entertainment area outside the main patio with floating bench, sunken patio (to include pergola with flat screen TV with cat 6 etc cable ran out to future proof) and Fire pit BBQ area with more intimate patio area and duel use entertainment space for outdoor bean bags, table tennis table etc.

An extensive ducting layout was incorporated to allow for the running of electric cables throughout the site, irrigation lines when crossing paving, Led lighting and lighting to walls and flower beds along with a flexi gas line (for the sunken patio area to hide the gas bottle behind a hedge). Terram was used on all paving areas along with the artificial grass area both underneath the stone for structural reasons and on top of the quarry dust for weed prevention. New pipe work was required for the ACO drains to re-leave to manholes as well as the sunken patio area drain to re leave back to existing pipework. The site was inspected prior to commencement of works for invasive weeds such as bind weed but nothing of concern was noted, it was however sprayed off to minimalize weed growth from existing soil conditions. We also optioned for a v mesh fence (with hedge) to the rear to allow fauna pass through the garden (as opposed to a block wall).

No deconstruction work was required as we raised all our levels to create a larger sense of feel for the garden. Rear side of the raised walls were waterproofed even though cladded with granite with drainage stone behind them to avoid any potential bulging/subsidence in time. A heavy-duty road whacker was used on all hard landscaping areas. Windows and doors were protected with window film protector and the corners of building (it was an external insulation house) were protected with sheets of ply to avoid damage. The sunken patio area walls and raised walls were built by the client and the lighting installed by the client. Everything else in the back garden from the initial design to planting was done by ourselves (paving, wall cladding, lawns, soil conditioning, groundworks, plastering, ducting, irrigation, pipework for drains, pipes for taps, ACO’s, planting etc)

Soft Landscaping

The concept of a balanced planting pallet was adopted for this projected. We decided to keep the natural aspect of the landscape by holding on to the large trees in the North side for screening purposes and privatising the garden from potential future houses while also giving a more natural environment for flora and fauna. A minimal care regime was also followed when selecting the plants as wanted by the owners. The existing trees and ‘pleached’ trees were used for privacy from the neighbouring house and potential development to the rear in time. We have introduced planter beds around the boundary of the garden for ‘eco-drainage’ proposes and water absorption, as well as for a layered look to the aspect of the garden allowing for a more imaginative way of planting. Given the heavy soil type we included French drains to a soak away.

Conditioned soil was placed in the planter beds for a healthy base to all the incoming plants and allowing for a better water absorption in the future. The planting plan was guided by the aspect of the house relative to compass directions helping us understand where the sun would be prevalent during different times of the day. We have combined topiary plants in the front planter bed and Euonymus Hedging on the steps for an elevated look overall as well as an extensively researched plant scheme (as per plans attached) factoring in suitable plants in the context of the residential landscape design.

Judges’ Comments:

“A spacious garden design, with its formal layout and structure and  terraced spaces creating a serene multilayered space.”

“Well thought out design for a large garden ensuring the clients gain maximum use of the space (day and night). Very good construction detail to create the different levels.”