This old farmhouse and outbuilding is part of a small cluster of farming buildings in rural Kent. The clients had extensively renovated and updated the house and converted some of the outbuildings into a comfortable lounge overlooking part of the garden. The garden itself consisted of three courtyards which wrap around two sides of the house. It was in a poor state of repair; although it possessed a number of lovely features including flint and brick walls and a back drop of a large thatched barn. The clients were keen to develop the courtyards into a tropical style garden that offered the lush planting of exotic plants, but also space to relax and entertain, and have great views from the house.
Before
Design Solutions
The clients initially approached 'Tropical Britain' who grow and supply exotic and tropical plants, and they brought 'Peter Reader Landscapes' on board to undertake the redesign of the garden. 'Tropical Britain' and 'Peter Reader Landscapes' worked in close partnership on the garden throughout the process.
In consultation with the clients 'Peter Reader Landscapes' was able to quickly define a linking function for each of the garden areas as you move through it. This gave each courtyard an individual character, but also meant that they flowed naturally together. Another early decision was to use hardscape materials commonly used in Kent within the garden; but in a way that provided it with the flavour of a Balinese garden. This way the tropical garden sits comfortably in the Kent countryside. These materials were hardwoods, thatch, reed panels and hoggin bases.
In consultation with the clients 'Peter Reader Landscapes' was able to quickly define a linking function for each of the garden areas as you move through it. This gave each courtyard an individual character, but also meant that they flowed naturally together. Another early decision was to use hardscape materials commonly used in Kent within the garden; but in a way that provided it with the flavour of a Balinese garden. This way the tropical garden sits comfortably in the Kent countryside. These materials were hardwoods, thatch, reed panels and hoggin bases.
After
The first courtyard was wide and made for a natural space for arrival and creating a strong first impression, as well as a great space to view the garden from the new lounge conversion. To this end a striking thatched gateway was designed as the main entrance to the garden beyond which could be seen the lush planting. The gateway also served to create a stronger degree of privacy in the garden than the old entrance had done. Within the courtyard sweeping curved new raised beds were devised that lift the tropical planting up to the viewer.
The second courtyard is beside the kitchen entrance to the house and together with its rectangular shape this lent itself perfectly to be an area for entertaining and outside eating. The area is shaded by an established tree and so the planting reflects this with Fatsia japonica shrubs and a wide variety of Ferns, Euphorbias and shade tolerant grasses. A bubbling brook arises in this courtyard too; from a huge block of ancient oak, and is carried out to the first courtyard in a rill that runs between ferns. The sounds add to the tranquillity of both spaces.
The third courtyard is large and square in shape and faces south, making it a good spot for dense tropical style planting. Raised wooden planters are used for a lot of the planting to give interest and add to the feeling of being surrounded by an exotic forest of plants. The clients liked the English parterre style and so this was used as inspiration to create a parterre on the ground from hardwood beams and hoggin; again echoing the Balinese style of materials. A focal central bed contains a stately Loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) and clump forming bamboos screen the rear exit gates.
With special thanks to Tropical Britain http://www.tropicalbritain.co.uk/
Construction by Outdoor Creations http://www.outdoor-creations.co.uk/
Construction by Outdoor Creations http://www.outdoor-creations.co.uk/