Hurstpierpoint, 2016

Low maintenance chillout space

A large protected beech tree overshadowed the entire patch of lawn in this otherwise featureless garden. The lawn below it would dry out and die back each Summer with the deep shade, becoming a pile of soggy leaves in Autumn, and although it restored itself to green in the Winter with the improved light levels and rain, it was never practical nor inviting. Only the pets made use of it for their toilet, and there was no comfortable area for seating. 

The patio by contrast, had no shade or character, housed the bins and the laundry line, and was not a pleasant place to sit or entertain. The whole area was sterile and subsequently used only for utility.   

The solution, as the Preservation Order meant that the tree could not be touched, was to remove the lawn and replace it with a Hoggin self-binding aggregate surface, creating a courtyard space below the tree. The Hoggin surface was edged with low raised beds filled with a lush mix of free-flowering herbaceous plants and structural shrubs, as well as fragrant climbers to provide shady green walls for the patio. 

This layout provided a range of new places to sit and relax, easily cleaned areas for the pets and protect the health of the feature tree with a permeable, draining surface. The tasks and costs of mowing and lawn upkeep were removed, and plants requiring minimal attention could now scramble up trellis and posts bringing year-round colour, scent and interest .

As dogs like to patrol their garden boundaries, and have a designated are to use as a toilet, the perimeter of the garden was kept free as a shingled path for the client’s dog to roam and mark away from the plants and seating. The toilet area was screened off with standing timber that provided sculptural interest while offering privacy from overlooking neighbours and dappled light on the ground. 

As the client is a keen traveller, a timed watering system was installed to ensure the plants would continue to thrive in her absence.