The garden’s existing layout was very formal with square borders surrounded by gravel and a square patio. The client wanted a softer look which better complimented the surrounding countryside and views. In addition the planting was not cohesive and lacked impact.

All the existing gravel beds, borders and patios were removed and replaced with a new curved patio of Indian sandstone with curved paths over a new grass lawn to a wooden corner pergola. New borders were also shaped into soft curves to offset the square plot.

The planting also reflected the new look. Small trees such as Amelanchier ‘Robin Hill’, Betula ‘Trinity College’ and Cornus ”Red Giant’ were chosen to supply all year round interest and to anchor the planting. Flowering shrubs including Philadelphus ‘Manteau d’Hermine’ Deutzia ‘Mont Rose’, Hebe ‘Wiri Charm’ and Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ compliment the existing Gallica and old fashioned shrub roses and the planting scheme was completed using perennials such as Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’, Penstemon ‘Garnet’, Phlox ‘Bright Eyes’, Geranium ‘Wargrave Pink’, Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ and Origanum ‘Herrenhausen’ to create a bee and butterfly friendly country garden.