THE BRIEF
Following major renovations to this substantial manor house in Hampshire, we were commissioned to undertake the further development and planting of the gardens and grounds. A layout scheme designed by John Brookes MBE, formed the basic structure surrounding the house, on which we based our designs.
Early on in the project, we advised on the removal of two large chestnut trees that overshadowed the front of the house.
The existing raised bed behind the beautiful old brick and flint retaining wall now has a dynamic new planting scheme that provides colour and interest throughout the year. This was of the utmost importance as it is viewed from the kitchen at all times of the day.
GARDEN STYLE
The aspect is south facing and the soil chalky and free draining, so the planting is Mediterranean in style, including Euphorbia, Stipa, Salvia, Erysimum, Verbena and Anthemis, with evergreen yew cones, Choisya and Viburnum forming a permanent framework. Cream painted obelisks add to the structural elements of the design.
Structure and interest throughout the year.
The north facing border at the front of the house has a simple planting scheme with predominantly white flowers to brighten up this shady section of the garden. It provides structure and interest throughout the year and the newly renovated house walls are softened with the addition of vigorous climbing hydrangeas. Other plants include mop head hydrangeas, variegated dogwood, Japanese Anemone, ferns, grasses and foxgloves, with clipped Choisya, standard holly and box topiary forming the evergreen structural elements.
There were some lovely mature yew hedges within the garden and it was decided that further delineation would enhance the layout by focusing views. The forecourt approach is now screened off from the rest of the garden by a new yew hedge, with a brick and flint path meandering through the meadow and an avenue of cherry trees, towards a brick and flint arched gateway. Naturalised crocus, daffodils and Camassia bulbs provide further spring interest beneath the pink cherry blossom.
Recreational area created to enjoy croquet and football.
The main lawn has been levelled to provide an area for football and croquet, and a further yew hedge with openings allows glimpses of a large wildflower meadow beyond. Mown grass banks and low retaining walls have been constructed to absorb the changes in level across the site. Wide stone steps allow easy access through every section of the garden and add interest to the scheme. A teak tree seat has been placed at the base of the mature Tulip tree – a lovely place to sit and reflect, while taking in views of the house, croquet lawn and the wildflower meadow beyond.
An ornamental rectangular pool with fountain and a backdrop of yew hedging provides a striking focal point from the north terrace, softened with lavender along each side. Steps from this terrace lead down to a box edged parterre planted with repeat flowering scented roses and perennials in a pink, purple and white colour scheme. Zinc obelisks provide structure at the centre of each of the four beds, planted with white flowered clematis. Box-headed Hornbeams form a wide avenue which leads the eye towards a stone statue at the far end, backed by a semi-circle of yew.
Sunken Garden and Water Feature
A sunken garden contains a parterre of low box hedging, with a striking reflective silver ball water feature at the centre. The surrounding border contains roses, perennials, grasses and bulbs in a purple, white and acid green colour scheme that softens the formal layout.
Stunning Lighting Scheme
Sarah Wilkinson designed a lighting scheme that brings the garden to life at night with stunning results.
LATER DEVELOPMENTS
Later developments have included a formal swimming pool surrounded by prairie style planting within the old walled garden. The scheme provides maximum colour and texture through the summer and autumn, with the late flowering perennials and grasses remaining attractive throughout the winter. Ornamental crab apples form a matrix within the planting to add height and further interest in the form of spring blossom and autumn fruit, and a back drop of pleached hornbeams provides structure and screening. A small kitchen garden with greenhouse forms an intimate area within this larger walled garden.
The garden design journey continues…..
A tennis court, screened with specimen ornamental trees, is the latest project in the exciting evolution of this garden.
