Victorian Style Planting Design
Bel was contacted back in October 2021 by the clients of this beautiful Victorian Mansion property in The Park, Nottingham. The property was undergoing a full renovation, transforming the old servants area into an apartment, with views over the garden. The garden had already been designed and was in the process of being landscaped, so the clients needed a Planting Design and the garden planting so that they could enjoy there new space fully.
There were several areas in need of planting - the borders which wrapped around the main patio area, the strip of ground along the raised terrace wall, a narrow bed alongside the lawn and a series of terraced beds alongside the steps to the right of the property. Most of the areas were in full sun, so would need to be tolerant of high light levels and potentially dry soil, whilst the beds alongside the steps were shaded throughout the day.
Given the style and age of the property the clients were keen to incorporate planting from the Victorian era, to tie in with the building. The planting also needed to be low maintenance as the clients travelled extensively, although they would employ a gardener. The clients wanted to included tropical plants, but Bel advised against this as they would not reliably survive winters in the East Midlands. Bel suggested hardy plants which would provide flower and foliage colour reminiscent of the tropics. To avoid disappointment, Bel also advised against planting mature shrubs, as these can easily fail especially if the clients weren't at home to water them in the summer.
Working with the planting bed layout set out in the original design plans developed by Olive Tree Garden Design, Bel created a full Planting Design Package including a 2D Planting Plan, noting the plant names and quantities for each area, Plant Mood Boards, a Plant list and estimate for supply, Bespoke Maintenance Schedules and Plant Encyclopedia and Bel's Maintenance Care Guides.
There had been a gap between the landscapers used by the client's and Bel's team starting work onsite. So the clients builder and landscaper worked with Bel to ensure the soil was prepared - turned, weed free and improved with compost, before planting commenced.
Before Transformation
Before Transformation
Before Transformation
Once ready, Bel and her team, planted a range of topiary balls, and lollipops, evergreen shrubs including Camellia, Pieris, Euphorbia and Rhododendron, vibrant perennials including Geum and Hemerocallis and included grasses to soften the edges of the hard landscaping. Roses had been on the clients wish list, so Bel selected plants from renowned supplier David Austin, in shades of cream, soft yellow and copper to tie in with the brightly coloured perennials.
Designed in February 2022 and planted over a few sunny days May, the planting successfully greened up the space and offered the Victorian feel the clients had been looking for.
Our clients are really please with the design and transformation…
"Bel designed and planted all our garden bringing it to life and to exactly the briefing we gave her. It looks amazing with quality plants and flowers and all done on time!"