SMALL FRONT GARDEN DESIGN

Cambridgeshire

Here is a good example of how a well designed and landscaped front garden can transform the appearance of a property.

Exposed and south facing this garden was very hot and dry during the summer months. The soil has been bulked up with plenty of organic material to help with moisture retention and after planting a thick mulch of composted bark was applied.

Directly under the window was a particularly difficult spot for plants. The sun reflected of the glass and literally baked them. For that reason I choose to plant Santolina there as is is very resistant to direct sunlight and intense heat. The remainder of the plants are all mound forming and will make an impenetrable blanket over the garden. These will be pruned at least twice a year to create a 'cloud' effect.

The old bricks were lifted and cleaned before being reused on a new base and properly jointed for stability. The path is edged in a black limestone.

The picket fence has been made in my workshop from scratch using 1" thick timber for the pailings and 4" thick posts, all of tanalised wood. Three coats of good quality micro-porous paint were applied to combat the degrading effect of direct sun light and protect it from the weather.

The benefits of the soil improvement can clearly be seen in the last picture which was taken just one year after planting.

This very simple garden design greatly enhances the front of this property