Alconbury Weston
Concept
The client wanted a design that would fit around their newly built pool and pool house. They love the mediterranean and specifically plants associated with Greece but they also wanted to have structure and a contemporary look and feel. They wanted a layout that fitted around their lifestyle and the existing large terrace and pool.
They wanted to keep as much lawn as possible as the family like to enjoy the space, but still want to be enveloped by planting and be able to enjoy areas of the garden they would not normally use.
The design is contemporary to compliment the house and style of the owners, but keeps the rural feel by keeping the large lawn area surrounded by some evergreen and other specimen trees chosen for their shape, form and seasonal merits. I am using grasses within some structure in the planting to reflect the open landscape behind.
I have added four evergreen trees to shield them from the neighbours on the West and created a variety of new seating / sunbathing areas around the pool. Gravel is used to soften the existing porcelain pool terrace and this will be planted with a variety of mediterranean style plants of silver and green hues.
Planting in to the garden area will be a mix of shrubs and grasses to give movement and soften the views out across the garden. Four new Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ are to be planted to help shield a new afternoon tea terrace that will have the evening sun. These give amazing autumn colour, provide blossom in the spring and grow in a beautiful conical shape. They will give a focal point across the lawn but also make that area slightly more private and inviting.
A new Carpinus betulus hedge runs along the back and west side of the garden to create uniformity, a wind break and enclose the space a little.
“A mix of structural planting with silver/green foliage create a mediterranean feel around the pool-side.”
Plans & Drawings
“Strong linear design, bold planting and specimen trees create interest without the need for complex planting plans. ”
Mood Boards & Inspiration
“Seasonal changes through leaf colour, texture and form will give year round interest”