A couple of weeks ago (it was the October 2013 “hurricane”) I was in Cornwall to set out the first batch of plants for a newly built garden, and I thought you might like to see hear a bit more about this project.
The back garden – a dramatic transformation!
We first visited this creek-side site near Falmouth in late November 2011 (it was pouring with rain, and blowing a gale then, too). The garden was part of a much larger project to demolish the existing house and build an entirely new, contemporary style home designed by award-winning Brixham architect Stan Bolt. We completed the conceptual design in January 2012 and, once the local planning department had confirmed they were happy, we proceeded with detailed design drawings and specifications. These were completed in June 2012, by which time work on the house was already under way, and the planting plans were completed in November 2012.
The forecourt paving layout complements the asymmetric angular design
(sorry about the poor photo – did I mention it was blowing a hurricane?)
The house build was managed by the client as a self-build project, with one main building contractor, and was sufficiently complete to allow the landscape contractor to start work in July 2013. The client chose to include all removal of rubble etc., importing of topsoil and re-contouring, and also construction of the hardwood deck, within the building contractor’s scope of work. This did create some difficulties – the deck was built somewhat smaller than specified, and the levels in the rear garden also proved to be lower than planned, although neither became apparent until the landscape contractor had started work.
Carefully detailed paving and steps replaced the derelict garage.
We placed orders for trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials in August 2013, with delivery in two batches – the majority in September (subsequently delayed to October), and the trees and balance of shrubs and perennials due in December.
I’ve posted some more photos of the planting on our Facebook page, and the design is described on our website.
Svend
