A
Contemporary Wildlife Garden in Bridge of Allan (under construction)
The
Brief: The
clients had a modest back garden but wanted to fit a lot in to it. The
garden was a blank canvas with only a few trees in it, including an old
apple tree which was completely blocking out the stunning view of
Wallace Monument and the Ochil Hills beyond. The clients wanted a
contemporary feel and space to entertain friends or just to relax and
enjoy the view. They also wanted a veg area as well as ways to attract
wildlife into the garden as well as new boundary fences.
The
Design:
The
design incorporates many features into a relatively modest space.
Firstly there is the morning patio using a beatiful limestone slab.
This leads into the veg area which uses a complementary limestone
gravel finish. The veg beds are made of chunky sleepers creating beds
at a height that's easy to manage and can be used as seating. The area
incorporated a bespoke compost heat, mini greenhouse and water butt.
A path leads from the morning patio, curving round to the main, raised
deck area which enjoys sun all day. The deck was constructed in
Thermawood giving a contemporary finish. Glass cubes were set into the
deck and lit from underneath for a contemporary finish. Bespoke stone
troughs were built around the deck and planted with architectural
planting. In between the troughs benches were created allowing the deck
to be used for lounging or for dining.
A canal was created, cutting through the lawn area and with stepping
stones along the middle of it, allowing you to stroll across to the
focal point beyond. Underwater lighting gives a stunning effect in the
evening. The end of the canal are sloped to allow easy exit for
wildlife.
Beyond the canal is the wildlife tower. Two sides have vertical
planting while the other two contain bric-a-brac which provide a myriad
of homes for all sorts of wildlife.
Contemporary containers with architectural planting provide a boundary
between the morning patio and the lawn area. Flower beds contain a
mixture of planting from herbs to annuals, shrubs to perennials. A
focal prunus serrula is set into the deck and other features include
corylus contorta and buddleia globosa.
To
the sides, a linear fence creates a boundary while a simple log fence
painted black creates a boundary which blends well with the view beyond.
