BRIEF
The client wanted to make the most of their outdoor space with entertaining areas for socialising with friends and family while having a retreat for improving their lifestyle. Also providing opportunities to growing fruit and vegetables was as important element of the garden. To do this we extended the lower terrace area to offer a space to enjoy the morning sun and provide improved access links to their driveway and to the house. Nestled in the Staffordshire countryside this exciting project was to be designed with a cottage garden feel to tie into the existing property and material choices were based on the existing palette of the feature sandstone walls and black details on the barn conversion.
In essence the design was to transform the garden into a haven for the client to improve their lifestyle in providing plants that attract bees & pollinators into the garden. While also creating key entertaining rooms for friends and family to socialise.

DESIGN & BUILD PROCESS
Influenced by the Cottage Garden Style of relaxed curved lines and informal layout while also using cottage garden style structures such as the Moon Arch adding vertical height. The planting scheme creates layers of soft and pastel colours with cottage garden favourites such as Lupins, Foxglove, Lavender and Aquilegia. The idea of the central herb circle is that the scent of Rosmarinus officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’, Chamaemelum nobile ‘Treneague’ and Thymus vulgare create aromatic scent that drifts on the wind and can enhance the wellbeing of the users experiencing the outdoor environment. As you walk past on the primary route to the house this gives a heightened experience. A species rich planting palette will encourage wildlife benefitting the natural environment.
As you approach the garden you are greeted with a black estate rail and a staggered Hornbeam hedgerow to the periphery planted to separate the garden from the driveway. As you walk through the gate you follow the meandering paviour sett pathway and make your way under a circular black metal moon arch surrounded with planting and climbers that will establish over the arch offering a sense of arrival and dividing the garden from the driveway effectively.

Utilities posed a challenge due to a series of manhole covers and the location of these services was to be considered within the works. Pathway consisting of paviour setts provide excellent links to the kitchen garden area and feature circular paviour sett seating area. The almond tree offers fantastic white blossom in spring followed by colour in the autumn. Herb circle inspired paved seating area offering scent and colour whilst enjoying the sun. Sensory planting offering offer vertical height with species such as Fennel and intrigue to the garden inviting you to discover the kitchen garden area. Decorative clay paviours set in different directions give the area character and allows a space to sit and relax enclosed by a brick retaining wall and planting. A personal touch of using a decorative central stone was used to remind the client of their time spent in the Mediterranean, this was picked up in the planting such as Myrtus communis, Rosemary and Thyme which tied into the client’s brief.

Lower paved patio area for entertaining to be viewed from the kitchen with easy access. Primary patio area constructed with sandstone paving enclosed with red brick walling offers a space for dining and socialising and options to sit on the walls. Traditional sandstone boulders used for the boundary wall to tie into the existing landscape and character of the property. Ornamental planting beds provide seasonal interest and texture within the garden.

RESULT
Instantly you are invited to explore from the gateway through planting and overhanging archway structure. You feel like you are entering a sanctuary. Layers of planting and grasses add movement as you journey though the meandering pathway along with the heady scents of herbs to transport you through a portal to a safe haven.
At night the garden is transformed into a different experience with the architectural elements being highlighted and they also enable the garden to be enjoyed long into the night to get cozy by the fire pit or alfresco dining on the main patio areas.
This garden has successfully reconnected the client to nature and given opportunities to improve the client’s lifestyle and sense of well being. This is an example of how a garden can transform your lifestyle in a positive way by creating an incredible outdoor space in tune with the client’s requirements.

‘‘The organisation by all staff was of excellent quality. We are exceptionally pleased with the service we received and the finished result, which exceeded our high expectations. We have no hesitation in recommending Butler Landscapes for your project’’ June 2022 review Houzz