Design & Build:Bath 2007
The brief
The Down to Earth Partners Ltd (DTEP Ltd's) client had a very clear idea about what they wanted done with the garden; fence in existing paddock; re-site the vegetable garden; create a patio near the back door and kitchen with adjoining lawn; clear the area immediately adjacent to the house. The constraint was that it had to be phased over several years. The project commenced in November 2005 and is still ongoing. No planting was involved.
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Phase1
The most important item was the re-fencing of the paddock. It was decided to use post and rails with half rounds and stock wire on the bottom half, the latter to keep the rabbits out and the dogs in! Gravel boards were run along the bottom of the wire for stability, weed retention and to deter animals getting through. Copper beech whips were then planted along the fenceline where the horse could not eat them! |
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The vegetable garden was re-sited near the stable and entrance to the house. It had been extremely labour intensive with poor soil, which produced very little. A number of raised beds were constructed to make the production of vegetables easier physically. They were lined with membrane (to suppress any weeds at the base) and filled with organic matter and topsoil. Gravel was used, over membrane for the pathways which were wide enough for wheelbarrow use.
A base for the greenhouse was constructed alongside the stable. The whole vegetable garden has been a huge success; highly productive with minimal maintainance - it always looks good.
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Phase 2, 2006
The next priority was a lawn and area for child's play. Much of the area around the house was still hardcore and gravel. It was decided therefore to clear an area between the house and office; put topsoil down and turf.
Turf, although more expensive than seeding, produces an instant result. However, it does need extensive watering if there is a long dry period, and should not be walked on for 3 weeks whilst the turf roots itself.
Paving slabs were set into the turf to provide the pathway from the existing gravel to the office. By setting them into the turf they can be mowed over easily.
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Phase 3, 2007
This was carried out in February 2007. The third phase involved construction of the patio; turfing an additional area linking the patio with the new lawn outside the office; a retaining wall; clearing the area adjacent to the house.
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Phase 4, 2007
The final stage was to clear up the area behind the office and link up both sides of the garden. To do this we created an archway, graded the ground and covered with turf to link both sides together.
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