Country Sloping Garden Design
The second design phase of this large country garden in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, involved transforming the sloping embankment behind a brick retaining wall which was originally built following a house extension. The existing overgrown shrubby thicket of planting was reminiscent of a motorway embankment so was in need of a full overhaul. Bel was commissioned to offer ideas, inspiration and to create a planting design scheme drawing on her extensive plant knowledge to select the right plants for the right place.
As the embankment slopes and faces due south, the planting needed to be tolerant of the dry conditions and sunny situation. Heavy clay soil needed significant improvement prior to planting to ensure the plants established well. Old timber railway sleepers were installed in the most steeply sloping area to help the planting establish and retain the soil. Bel's planting scheme utilised ground covering shrubs and perennials which were then teamed with elegant grasses and colourful herbaceous plants to keep maintenance to a minimum and provide an attractive display throughout the season. Several of the plants used in the main garden were repeated on the slope to tie the two areas together giving a cohesive design. Find out more about the Planting Design Process.
Before Transformation
Before Transformation
Before Transformation
Two years on and the planting is filling out well, fulfilling the clients requirements for a year-round garden with colour and interest...
The Clients are really happy with the finished garden transformation…
Our 20 year old garden was looking tired and boring. No colour and a mishmash of plants that were past their sell-by date. We had no idea what to do to rescue the situation as we knew very little about what plants would do well. Then we found Bel. Our garden is transformed; beautiful colour that just keeps coming all through the year, easy maintenance and a joy to sit and look at with an appropriate glass in one hand. Bel interpreted our thoughts perfectly and has produced an extraordinary result. She is patient with non-gardeners, knowledgeable and highly professional. Not afraid to get her hands dirty and endlessly helpful. I simply cannot recommend her too highly.