A barn conversion on a lakeside in Cheshire had already received an extensive internal makeover and it was now the turn of the garden. The existing garden was dominated by hard landscaping and very few plants and what was required was something more in keeping with the surroundings that enabled the owners to sit, relax and enjoy the view.
The brief was to create a garden that:
• has minimal hard landscaping with maximum planting areas
• sits comfortably in its setting and doesn’t detract from the view of the small lake and its wildlife
• creates an area for relaxed seating
• uses natural materials throughout
“It would have been much easier to create a more geometric design but the garden required a more sensitive approach that embraced its natural setting,” said garden designer Joanne Willcocks of Gardens by Design. “Soft, organic lines were favoured that allow one to walk slowly through the planting on a journey to the water’s edge.”
Thus a design was created with the curved decking path, made up of varying widths, meandering through natural planting to the lakeside.
Ms Willcocks considered a number of materials for the path but felt that timber was the most appropriate and sensitive to the site’s location. However, having used decking only a few times before, she felt that a little more research was required. She was aware of Silva Timber through gardening press and a recommendation from a fellow designer.
Having contacted the company and requested samples, western red cedar, yellow balau, ipe and mandioqueira were shortlisted. The designer wanted to see the products in person, so a visit to the Cheshire branch in Widnes was arranged.
“It’s hard to really get an appreciation for the qualities of each timber until you can see them up close ‘en masse’, so a visit to Silva Timber was essential,” said Ms Willcocks. “They were really helpful and explained the merits of each timber but it was the soft, warm colours of yellow balau that really stood out for me,” she added.
Ms Willcocks worked in close collaboration with landscapers Richard Morris Garden Landscaping to realise the design and work through the technical challenge the curves presented.
“It was a real team effort – keeping true to the organic lines and the fluidity of the curved path was very important to me and the guys weren’t fazed by it at all. It’s one thing drawing it on paper but quite another to realise that design on the ground. They’ve done a terrific job.”
As the owners are plant lovers, a stylised form of natural planting was favoured to retain views of the lake whilst encouraging wildlife. Only six weeks after completion, the garden was already full of bees and butterflies. The owners are delighted with the results and how it has opened up the garden space and they particularly love the feel of the wood underfoot. The choice of timber has proved very successful as it mellows into its setting and the rich colours of the wood “look wonderful”.
