Design Solution & Planting
Gardens to support wildlife do not have to be the obvious ‘habitat recreation’ approach so often seen as a design solution. Careful selection of plants ensure that there is always something to enjoy throughout the year, important for people and just as important when supporting wildlife. This design is packed with ideas to support wildlife, including bug houses, log stacks, hedgehog homes, a funky take on a wildlife pond, new trees and planting and lawn species all carefully selected. But there is also space for people, we need our habitat too and whilst we need shelter we need so much more. We need to be connected to plants, the green stuff, soil and the wildlife that we share this amazing planet with.
The house terrace was reduced in size and a wildlife pond added creating a strong connection between the house and garden and addressing the problems of that large picture window. There is still space here for comfortable seating before the full summer sun makes this area too hot. The water cools this area, much needed in the height of summer. Wildlife will also be seen even from the house creating a strong connection between house, garden and nature. The steps that lead through the garden include a side ramp to ensure that wildlife can also move through the space.
A new terrace was created set into mid level of the garden and enclosed by new trees offering gentle dappled shade. These two terraces now offer somewhere to spend time in the garden across the year, and as light changes throughout the day. New trees screen the sheds and provide privacy. Lovely views have been created back to the house through layers of planting. Access is maintained throughout the garden and the lawns also provide space for play.
Log stacks and bug homes are used to divide the garden into these different zones and bounce the eye from side to side. This results in the garden feeling wider. The path also moves from side to side in the garden again adding to the feeling of space. There are lovely views across neighbouring gardens and this gentle pull brings these into view, adding further to the sense of space.
A species rich lawn leads through the garden enclosed by planting that softens as you move through the garden. Pam loves strong colours and the planting was selected to provide colour over many months but also nectar and pollen.
At the end of the garden a new metal pergola encloses the sheds creating a working area, something that most gardens need. This pergola doubles as gym bars if specially constructed. Once the children leave home climbers can be added to future proof this ‘gym’ and further soften this area and create additional habitats for nesting birds.
The full plant list is shown in the slides here.
