I was approached by the Wheatons in early 2016. They had recently converted a bungalow to a modern two storey home, and wanted to create a garden worthy of this stunning estuary location. We were fortunate in being able to reuse several specimen trees and shrubs on site. However many required repositioning. The 16′ fastigiate oak and Dawyck beech are thriving in their new locations.

The garden was too open, so we added two sections of yew hedge for screening and shelter. Patios were added to create a barbecue area that looks back towards the house. This came off the existing composite deck to invite guests into the garden. The new gravel garden provides a ‘Wow Factor’ on arrival. It is graced by Cedric the Cormorant, created by the client from reclaimed rusty metal. The rest of the garden was also reimagined.

The thin, wispy planting around the edges was replaced with curvaceous borders. These were filled with colourful and highly textured herbaceous perennials for spring, summer and autumn interest. Raised beds containing edible produce were added just beyond the Yew Hedges. Clients now had only 20 yards to venture from the kitchen to garnish lunch most days. On the first floor balcony textured concrete pots planted with sculptural specimens harmonise with the modern facade and help frame the uninterrupted views of the estuary…