Dr Redington and Mrs Osborn

Site Description
The house had been newly built in a semi traditional style on a parcel of land, sold off from a neighbouring old house.

The garden was dry, nutrient poor and surrounded by an old wall which was part of the old house next door. This provided a wonderful back drop and meant the garden had a warm, sheltered micro-climate.

Ivy was rampant on the wall, concealing the brickwork and smothering any existing planting along the outer edges of the garden. There were a few old and ‘leggy’ shrubs including a ‘gnarled’ old Cotinus and split Lavatera.

To one side of the garden there was a brick out building belonging to the ‘old house’ and in need of some repair.

The garden was largely flat but dropped down to a low against the out buildings.

A narrow section of garden led off to the back door and around to the garage and side gate. Adjacent to the garage was the oil tank.

Design Brief
Draw inspiration from and provide a suitable setting for a piece of sculpture recently commissioned by the clients.

Allow the garden to reflect a traditional style but have a strong sense of modernity, to mirror the house - a fusion of old and new.

Avoid creating a garden which required constant care and attention (especially with the water metered hose pipe).

Screen neighbouring buildings that were a little dilapidated and may, at some point in the future, be developed, exposing the garden.