Large Gardens
2 acre gardens and larger, including estates and parklands
Finding the Soul of the Garden
There is often a framework of an old garden that has long since vanished or views that have disappeared from larger gardens. Finding the soul of the garden and then nurturing it to its best is the translation by the designer of the symbiotic relationship between the house and its current owner. This relationship is different for all properties and is absolutely crucial to produce the finest results. It is not necessarily about a single 'style', more about the combination of styles to suit the garden arena. The best example of this is to compare the beautiful gardens of Great Dixter and Sissinghurst Castle: they are both perfect for their own unique environment but would look ridiculous if each garden were swapped around. This relationship is the key design tenet of Edward Erith at GardenEye.
First things first
We will need a full Topographical Survey, Concept Design, Full Design and Master Plan for a large garden. For landscaping and costing purposes the large garden is best broken down into sections, each with its own plan. Each plan is then incorporated onto a master plan to ensure the correct atmosphere and transition is maintained for the garden.
Please refer to the section "Design Process" for the full planning process. The main thing for a large garden is to understand the costs involved: it is with a large space that one's vision can go into overdrive!
There will always be scope to use existing features in the property to regenerate the landscape inside and outside of the main garden. For example, woodland and meadows can be carefully set, replanted, cut and managed; ponds and lakes can be re-dug and walls re-sited, repaired or extended.
If you are prepared to completely re-design the garden, consider where each component part is best suited in relation to the aspect of the house and your personal preferences: where to put the rose garden, the orchard and vegetable garden, the football pitch, the Italian garden, the swimming pool and tennis court? Here lies the skill of the garden designer.
Listed below are 10 items for you to consider in a large garden:
A large garden can become a building/mud site for a long time if substantial landscaping is in operation – sometimes years. It requires significant planning in the Design phase to ensure that this disruption is kept to a minimum. If you can, get the landscaping done in one hit so that you have years to enjoy it. Understand from the outset that the landscaping process is not cheap. GardenEye will work with you to help you understand the costs, and will ensure that the budget is managed effectively and efficiently. We will carry out the work in phases so that there is always some part of the garden that is available for you to use. Don't get too used to your garden if you want to change it. A big Sycamore tree near the house that blocks your view is little more than a weed. Try not to become overly familiar with things that shouldn't be there in case they become the norm. For every tree and shrub that you remove you can plant three new ones elsewhere – and your grandchildren will thank you for it in years to come! By the time we begin the landscaping we will all have a clear idea of what needs to be done and how much it will cost. Please bear in mind that changes to the plan can become expensive and wearisome. Be aware that there are often unknowns buried away in the garden, and flexibility is required. Sometimes this will affect the process and budget if they cannot be avoided – old house footings, an unexploded bomb or air raid shelter for example, or hidden wells or springs. Be Practical. Make sure that the drive can hold enough cars for a party. Give yourself room for a decent terrace incorporating views (if possible), sunshine and shade; make sure the garden works for you and how you want to use it. This is not to say go out of character, it is just that if there is going to be a substantial investment in a garden make it special and have at least three or more unique features. I have seen many gardens with 7 figure sums invested in them that are just, well, gardens. At GardenEye we will make sure that your investment in your garden is practical, unique and a treat. Historically grand Stately Homes had 2 facades – one for the front entrance and the better one for the garden. This has been lost in translation over the years and your property's best facade might be best reserved for the garden. It is extraordinary how often the best aspect of the house is littered with cars in front of it instead of a sweeping lawn and garden. Never have a swimming pool or vegetable garden too far from the centre of the house: the kitchen!
Time
Budget
Phases
Sentimentality
Changing Plans
The Unknowns
Practicality
Be Daring
Driveways
And Finally ...
Currently GardenEye is reconstructing 3 large gardens and over the following year we will be releasing video footage and new pictures of these projects to go alongside those already shown. Call us to assess your garden on 01797 260 451.
