Bartholomew Landscaping were appointed as design and build contractors after being
recommended to our client by their Architect. After purchasing the adjacent property,
and refurbishing their newly combined buildings to an extremely high standard, our
clients then turned their attention to the neglected patio garden. Our brief was
to reflect the quality of the interior while creating a stylish entertainment area.
The new walled garden extended across the combined width of the building and could
be viewed and accessed from the kitchen and main reception room via double doors
opening directly into the space, additional access is also possible from a first
floor roof terrace via a new spiral staircase.
It was agreed that a rather informal design with a Japanese feel would be most appropriate.
With this in mind, for the main paving we used mid grey granite slabs in coursed
random widths and lengths and black granite was selected to emphasise the strong
linearity of the pattern. An eye-catching black granite water feature gives the
courtyard a central focus. Beautiful benches with integral lighting were sourced
from Miramondo in Germany. And we incorporated sculpture purchased by the client.
The Japanese theme was again reflected in the planting. Clipped cloud topiary trees
provide a superb visual interaction with the hard edges of the granite paving. In
turn, bamboo and evergreen flowering climbers add a soft, natural dimension to the
walls, and river washed rounded pebbles and sculptural boulders add contrast to
the surfaces.
Strategic lighting changes the mood of the garden for night-time use. A integrated
irrigation system ensures that maintenance is kept to a minimum.
Drainage is dealt with by the inclusion of an invisible slot drain running the width
of the garden that replaces a mortar joint and new gully covers were cut by hand
to replace the standard metal grates. Recessed manhole covers have been incorporated
with superb masonry completing the overwhelming feeling of quality.