Given how sensitive we are to the landscape, we engaged a team that have a great reputation and pedigree for working in conversation areas. The team at Urquhart & Hunt have been amazing so far. It’s important to note that as development progresses, there will be constraints we have to deal with that we’ve not foreseen.

Our Vision
To create a garden which cites the new property in a naturalistic environment filled with drifts of perennial planting and minimal hard landscaping. The garden is to be a retreat for family members with the use of native and fruiting species to encourage biodiversity and play.

All hard surfaces will be permeable where possible with an emphasis on natural finishes. In conjunction with SUDS (Sustainable urban drainage) proposals we would consider the proximity of the river TEST an important aspect to the design both in terms of water management and the ecology of
the site.

The upper meadow seperating the garden from the river TEST will be a sanctury for flora and fauna. Fruiting specimens will be shared by the family and local wildlife. The existing meadows will be enhanced by further sowing of flowering species of local provenance to increase biodiversity and the longevity of the meadow.

The proposed landscape will be sensitive to existing trees on site. A number of species have been removed in conjunction with the Aboricultural report. All landscaping around the Existing Fraxinus will consider the Root Protection Area.

Long term design objectives

General soft landscaping
Perennial planting proposals make up the majority of the soft landscaping within the garden boundary. Planting will be within existing soil and lightweight soil mix in and around the existing Fraxinus sp tree. The perennial mix includes species which tolerant free draining neutral soil with the intention of not installing an irrigation system. Specimen trees will be kept to a minimum with ornamental varieties chosen for seasonal interest. Tree’s will be staked and watered for the first year with the intention of not using an irrigation system long term.

Field
The intention is to manage the field with a first year cut back and general sow of site specific wild flower mix. In order to introduce certain species swiftly, certain species will be plug planted within the existing grassland.

General hard landscaping
All hard landscaping is permeable as described in the planning document All hard works will be installed during the first phase of the landscape build. Clay pavers and aggregate is a low maintenance material with minimal requirement for cleaning and replacement. Bricks will be
treated with Purescape (Permeable water proofer and stain remover) once every 8 years. Aggregates will be raked and spot weeded if required. Potentially a new layer would be applied depending on heavy usage.

Water management
The general planting will not require an irrigation system long term. The first year of growth will require watering in to enable establishment. Drainage from the garden will be collected in rain gardens including any
surface drainage from the hard landscape areas and property.
The function for the rain gardens is to slowed down the water flow on site and allow for percolation as opposed to re-­‐using. Hand watering will be required during any prolonged high temperatures during summer.