By Reading based MSGD garden designer Andrea Newill. The property is in a stunning location within an area of outstanding natural beauty bordering national trust meadows and ancient woodland.
The garden was designed to fit comfortably into this setting and takes advantage of the lovely views out, providing a haven and contrast from the client’s busy city working lives.
A black slate terrace was laid next to the new glass extension, with a steel bowl water feature positioned to be seen from the house. Grey planters on the terrace complemented the grey painted window frames of the house. Large aluminium herb planters are attractive and functional.
A gravel path around the house leads to a bespoke oak pergola, framing a seating area with a bistro table and chairs and a slate standing stone. This was designed as a place for guests to gather before dining. Stepping stones through the pergola lead to a sweeping lawn and focal urn on a plinth with a bench beyond.
An area of woodland edge planting beneath the canopy of oak trees provides year-round interest with shade tolerant planting including Cornus, Geranium phaem and macrorrhizum, Thalictrum delavayii, Aquilegia and Aster divaricatus. The woodland planting flows into sunnier planting with meadows beyond.
Here planting of low growing geraniums, Heuchera villosa, Deschampsia and Aster divaricatus is punctuated by spires of Veronicastrum, Lythrum and Molinia, with umbels of Cenolophium denudadatum and spheres of the natiave Succisa pratensis.
Plant list
Trees
Topiary
Shrubs
Climbers and Wall Shrubs
Perennials
Grasses
Other gardens by this designer