(Kate's winning design for the Society of Garden Designers Student of the Year Competition 2006)
Background
A professional couple with two girls aged 8 & 4, who have a trampoline, a playhouse, timber play equipment and a waterslide. The playhouse is to remain in position.
Site notes
The property is a large, detached, 1930s house. It has red brick with some red tile cladding and above the tiled porch in the front, are some mock Tudor timbers against a white background. The rear facade has a number of pitch roof details. To the side of the property is a more recently built garage with a faux Tudor gable end. The rear garden is reached by a covered passage with wrought iron gate, between the garage and house. In the neighbours' garden on the northern side, there is a large chestnut tree, which does not shade the garden, but dries the area beneath.
Requirements
Traditional style - not modern or minimalistic. Generous grassed area for simple croquet & badminton. A terrace for 10-12 people to eat outside with a secondary 'secret' area for adults further from the house. A small water feature. Existing small shed to stay. Glasshouse. Year round interest with emphasis on Spring & Summer. Existing trees and boundary laurel to be kept. Garden to have different areas of use and interest. Have gardeners whose hours can be adjusted to suit garden. Provision for lighting & irrigation.
Front garden
Attractive garden with entry gates. Screened bin area & existing lean to by garage to be screened. Clear arrival to front door. Cornus kousa & Cherry to stay. Gravel drive or similar. Parking for 2 cars regularly, 4 cars occasionally
Don't want
High maintenance garden, decking, architectural plants, grasses or conifers.
