Firstly the drainage in the garden was improved by the installation of land drains. The client wanted a permanent solution to terracing the garden whilst maintaining its natural and warm woodland character. Curved walls were created using sandstone bricks which, in time will become the perfect backdrop for the diverse planting in the garden. The steps were curved to make them less precipitous and more comfortable to use. A shady seating area was created at the bottom of the garden which has great views of the surrounding countryside. Lighting set into the steps encourages the use of the garden in the evening.
The client previously had no patio and unsafe and inadequate steps leading from the French doors to the garden. The ground here sloped sharply away from the house making it very uncomfortable to use. A patio was created out of sandstone which matched the walling with a level lawn also on this top level. Around the lawn and the patio, which is south facing, colourful and scented plants for summer will make this an attractive area in which to sit or socialise. Throughout the garden, a backbone of evergreen shrubs and perennials make the view from the house interesting and attractive all year.
This garden had been terraced a few years previously using wooden poles. The garden has heavy clay soil with poor drainage, which unfortunately caused the poles to rot making the whole garden, particularly the steps, very hazardous and unsafe.
Steeply Sloping Garden
The problems faced with having a steeply sloping garden are very common and ones that we are often asked to find solutions for. This garden was particularly precipitous, but with careful thought and planning, it has become an interesting and practical garden. |
