The brief
We were introduced to this project through Tania, Garden Designer at Your Lovely Garden. The house was effectively a new build, designed by Heighway Architects Associates, of Marlow, which needed a garden to match its striking design.
How we did it
When we came on board, Cavendish Building Services Ltd were a good way into their project with scaffolding up around the entire site.
We started by removing all the old, damaged fence panels and installing new closeboard fencing to enclose the back garden. Alongside this, there was a huge amount of clearance of old leylandii and overgrown weeds and trees that did not sit with the new garden design.
Incorporating a pool into the plans
After some discussions, it was agreed that the clients wanted to incorporate a swimming pool into the design. CB Pools were brought in to deal with this aspect of the project and we worked closely with them and Cavendish Building Services to ensure all aspects of the project ran smoothly. Especially as hundreds of tons of materials were going to be coming in and out over the course of the project which needed careful coordination and planning between us all.
Building a multi-level terrace
Next up on our remit was to excavate and pour 30m3 of footings on which to build a large area of multi-level terrace with stepped planting. A huge thank you to Ashville Concrete who came through with the ready-mix to get this all installed on the day with the minimum of fuss.
Then endless square metres of block work, block and beam flooring later, and the framework for the terrace was ready to be paved. Paving come in the format of large metre square porcelain slabs. Each weighing 47kg. All vertical surfaces were clad with a combination of corten effect, and light grey porcelain. All paving and cladding materials were supplied by Country Supplies.
Before SHS supplied and installed a frameless glass balustrade system to complement the contemporary finish.
Creating drama with planting
A great deal of soft landscaping also went into this project, with large planting beds and a very generous rear lawn. The greatest of care was taken to create good quality borders to allow the planting to grow up to match the dramatic effect of the hard landscaping. With Tania on the case, we knew that the planting would be great, and that has proved to be the case.
To keep the lawn and borders in great condition all year round, Alex and his team at Blue Skies also installed a top quality smart irrigation system.
An eye-catching front garden
Last but not least, we moved round to the front, where the aim was to provide a large driveway surrounded with generous planting beds. We used a gravel stabilisation system edged with hand cut granite setts, and finished with a beautiful Cotswold flat shingle, again supplied by Country Supplies. It was down to Tania again, to add the finishing touches with well-considered planting, adding colour and depth to the front of the house.
And finally
While this project was challenging at times, it was a very enjoyable project to be involved in with a pretty spectacular outcome. Jay at Thames Valley Landscapes led the team with distinction throughout, with his commitment to quality of work and eye for detail shining through.
Larger projects are always a lot of work, but this one was made especially worthwhile by having brilliant clients. Sarah-Lynn and David were a pleasure to work with and the quality of the coffee provided once they had moved in was top notch!
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