Challenge

The clients, a couple who had recently moved from London, wished to create their own little piece of Norfolk. The 3.5 acre site was uncleared and had been covered in weeds and brambles for several years. There was no water supply.

The clients wanted a low maintenance garden with a patio and outdoor kitchen and wildlife-friendly features.

Solution

The ground was cleared and some of the topsoil stripped away to get rid of the bramble roots. This created an ideal situation for growing wild flowers (ie low nutrient subsoil).

Shadow Hall designed a woodland area alongside an existing hedgeline to accommodate the clients' request for Betula Jacquemontii. The ancient hedge was replenished with native hedging plants that will flower in spring time to help support local wildlife.

A small cedar-clad roof area was built to collect rainwater, and a decorative walk-in fruit cage was constructed.

Beside this is a small lawn with a mulberry tree planted at its centre.

Meadowmat wild flower turf was used to create a large wildflower meadow with mown paths running the length of the garden. This gives a low maintenance option that is full of colour.

Meadowmat was also used to cover the banks of the water feature, which comprises two ponds joined by a stream running the length of the garden.

A large patio with outdoor kitchen was built for entertaining at the house end of the garden with columns of carpinus to provide privacy. The patio has a jetty that stretched out over the first and largest pond.

Outcome

"At Hall Landscaping and Design we are very proud of this garden and feel the outcome is exactly as we envisioned. It's difficult to say which bit we liked most as each area has its own charm and beautiful features whilst still maintaining good cohesion across the garden."

The client has been provided with a beautiful garden which meets their brief for a low-maintenance space that attracts wildlife and offers a superb place for entertaining and relaxing.