Relaxation Garden
The brief
For most of the year, the property is used as a holiday rental home for up to 8 people. The aim was to create an attractive, informal, lower maintenance garden that nestles comfortably into the wider environment of the National Park. The garden should be inviting and encourage guests to enjoy outdoor dining, entertaining and relaxing. The garden should also be able to be used all year-round, offer year-round interest and be good for wildlife.
Problems to overcome
Lack of different areas for entertaining and relaxing and deer and rabbits were regular visitors.
The design solutions
The garden was designed to offer a variety of different areas for guests to spend time in the garden, either alone or together to relax on the large dining area. The large lawn and the ‘woodland’ area offer a place for children (and adults) to play.
Wheelchair-friendly paths allow the house and garden to be accessed and used year-round. The addition of stepping stones in the lawn leads the eye to the woodland area beyond and encourages exploration. The gravel-pathed areas also allow the garden to be used year-round and when the grass is wet.
Rocks and plenty of mixed planting, using a combination of natives and non-natives that connect with the wider landscape not only adds to the year-round interest but also offers plenty of habitat for local wildlife, including birds. Strategically placed borders also offer screening (whether partial or full) and help create ‘rooms’ or areas that encourage exploration of the garden.
Plant-packed borders with plenty of ground cover and repetition of the same plants around the garden unifies the garden and also helps with ease of maintenance.
“From the first design consultation through to the completion of construction and planting of the garden Rachel has been exceptional in her attention to detail, communication and creative excellence. Starting with the initial concept drawings through to landscape design, construction plan and planting plan, Rachel guided me expertly through each step of the process. Rachel's knowledge of plants, growing conditions and environmental conditions meant our desire for an authentic Scottish garden that blended well into the national forest that surrounds the property was achieved. The project started on schedule and even allowing for the inclement weather that the construction team had to endure, the garden was completed within the timeframe and budget we agreed.
Choosing the right landscape designer who could comfortably collaborate with me from Australia gave me enormous confidence that the vision for our garden would be realised. The finished product is amazing. A garden haven that is a magical experience that will be enjoyed throughout the year.”