Collection

266 GARDEN DESIGN LONDON STONE | NATURAL STONE COLLECTION 2016
267
LANDSCAPING EXCELLENCE
GARDEN DESIGN
COME IN & RELAX
Nic Howard
The diminutive courtyard that
sat alongside this Edwardian
cottage in Surrey started life as
as a dark, awkwardly shaped
triangular space, which was almost
entirely crazy paving. Its one
saving grace was the 100 year-old
brick wall that ran along one side.
The garden was open to the front
of the property, being partially
screened by a large conifer, so the
plan was to build a new wall to
enclose the space and transform
the garden into a bright and
welcoming courtyard that brimmed
with plants and flowers.
The 11 x 6 metre area is now
paved with Kota Blue Limestone,
which is laid square to the house
to increase the sense of space
in the garden whilst also creating
dynamic lines across the space
and bigger planting areas.
The heavy clay soil was
particularly challenging but this
was improved with the addition
of lots of organic matter and,
although horrible to dig, the plants
absolutely love it. The old wall
puts the main border into shade
for most of the day so this is
planted with a voluminous mix of
Hakonechloa, Rodgersia, Hosta,
Hydrangea and Camellia. Interest
is added throughout the year by
filling gaps with flowering annuals
and biennials.
Nic Howard Garden Design,
www.we-love-plants.co.uk
Nic Howard
Nic Howard Garden Design
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