Design & Build:A Front Garden
The Down to Earth Partners Ltd (DTEP Ltd) client's front garden was bordered by an Escallonia hedge; weeds had forced themselves through the cracks between uneven pavers. The whole area either side of the front door was dar, gloomy and untidy. DTEP Ltd's client's busy lifestyle meant that the area needed to be extremely low maintenance. In addition they wanted extra light through their downstairs windows, one of which was partially blocked by a large conifer. All of this had to be carried out on a very low budget. Contractors removed the hedge and built a new low wall to retain the front area whcih is raised above the road; two pillars either side of the pathway were created and hold colourful annuals. A new porch was also built.
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A few existing plants were retained, namely a small magnolia and two roses which were growing against the house. The new planting was chosen for its ease of maintenance and for the impact of year-round foliage. The existing soil was in bad condition, so planting holes were dug out and filled with compost and fertiliser. Membrane was laid over the whole area before the new plants were positioned and planted through the membrane. The selection of plants was confined to a few varieties to give added impact with hebes, hostas and conifers to give textured foliage
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Hebe Pinguifolia 'Pagei' is a particularly pretty hebe, low-growing and evergreen: its blue-green leaves provide a pleasing contrast with the shingle throughout the winter months and in spring and early summer this is complemented with its clusters of white flowers. Three low growing junipers, juniperus squamata squamata "Blue Carpet", were planted to soften the small shed hiding the gas cylinders and the corner of one side of the front garden.
A variety of hostas were also planted to provide additional foliage contrast. Small narcissi were planted within the gravel beds either side ot the frontn path to give spring colour. These were augmented by Lewisia Cotyldeon whose shocking pink flowers provide a stunning display of colour. They also multiply easily. The existing small magnolia tree was matched with a new one on the other side. |