The Nautilus Shell Garden
Graeme and Laura's large garden in Stockwood needed a complete redesign. The aim was to create an easy to get around space, with plenty of sensory interest. The garden was divided into a number of different areas of use, with the main seating area situated near the back door of the house. A smaller seating area was created in a secluded area at the far end of the garden. There was also a path to the garden room as well as a utility path running alongside the house.
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Other features included, a dry stone effect wall to help break up the large open space, a wildlife pond and a self contained water feature. All of these different areas were linked by an open compacted gravel path.
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As always, wildlife and environment were key factors in the making of this garden. The wildlife pond was the focal point in terms of increasing biodiversity in the garden. In addition, a hedgehog house, pollinator friendly planting and leaving gaps in the fencing all will help in the long run with creating a wildlife haven.
Another important element was allowing the areas of hard landscaping to drain away naturally. No drains were used in this garden to allow all surface water to seep naturally into the ground. The benefits of this include keeping the garden ground adequately saturated with an increasingly warm climate as well as directing less water into the mains storm drains. A porous gravel for the paths helped with the natural drainage of the garden.
