Recently were were asked to prepare a design for another unusual garden space.  It is the large rear garden of a rectory that adjoins a church.

It is quite a large space but is seriously under utilised.  It is mainly just an expanse of lawn that needs the high maintenace  routine of regular mowing in summer.  Despite the high wall to the right, it is still quite exposed to a busy road and its accompanying traffic noise.

The garden is north facing.    As you can see from the photo above it is dominated to a very large degree by a mature tree which shades much of the garden.

• The backdrop of the church creates a beautiful backdrop.
• The client brief included some of the following:
• a provision for parking at least two cars at the end of the garden
• access from the church to the garden and house
• spaces for private meetings or private refelection
• space for entertaining the community when weather permitted
• suitable space for wedding photo opportunities/ christenings etc.

 

So we spoke to the residents of the house, analysed the current and potential uses of the garden, surveyed the garden, scratched the head and came up with a plan….

We proposed tilting the garden on a 45 degree angle to break up the linear feel of the space.  This turns the garden into a series of inter-connecting rectangles – reflecting the angular feel from the gable walls of the church behind.

We increased the car parking space to allow for two cars but it will now be disguised from view with screen hedging.

The main seating are has been positioned towards the end of the garden to catch the afternoon sun.  It will also be easily accessible from the church for community gatherings.  A number of benches provide ready seating and these can be supplement by additional seating.  The position of the main patio area also allows for spill-out on to the adjoining lawn.

There will also be a smaller, more intimate, seating area with bench closer to the house for private meetings.  It will also be the spot to nip out with a cup of coffee or for quick reflection and enjoyment of the garden.

All the areas of the garden are connected via a pathway constructed in the same stone as the patio area to provide a seamless connection between the spaces.

Turning the garden on an angle creates semi-triangular beds around the the garden that jut into the garden and break up the space to create interest.  They also provide for deeper beds to accommodate a wider range of planting.

A continuous row of specimen trees along the right hand border will screen the garden from the road outside and create a more private space.  Low maintenance planting will provide year round colour; including flowers for cutting in the summer and foliage for flower displays in the winter. 

The church will still be the dominant feature at the end of the garden but will now be beautifully complimented by a stunning new garden with multi-functional use.

Tags: 45 degree angle, flowers, foliage, garden design, low maintenance, screen hedging, specimen trees, www.mertondesign.ie, year round colour
Posted in Garden Design, garden projects - 1 large gardens • John • No Comments »