The upper terrace has a commanding view across the garden to the landscape beyond
The garden before
The garden under construction with granite setts and clay bricks fully exposed
Foaming water ‘geysers’ are set to the curve of the lower patio
After three years the strong design still defines the space but is now balanced by the planting
..and the same view another two years on
Vibrant planting in the foreground frames the view from the patio doors
The upper terrace has a commanding view across the garden to the landscape beyond
Looking back to the upper terrace showing screening to provide privacy and shelter
View down to the sheltered lower terrace
The water features are lit to striking effect
Moving out into the garden the planting becomes softer
The transition from bold to restrained planting is complete and the boundary is disguised
Striking Country Garden Design
Nestled in the picturesque Kentish countryside, this former cattle byre underwent a remarkable transformation into a contemporary oasis. Departing from conventional country garden norms, our clients sought a bold, geometric design with minimal maintenance water features and expansive entertaining areas, all while preserving stunning countryside views.
Garden Elements:
The Challenge Ahead
Balancing contemporary aesthetics with rural charm posed a unique challenge. Our task was to design a space that embraced clean lines and bold planting while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape. Water features were to be incorporated for added visual interest without imposing excessive maintenance demands.
Garden Design Brief
Drawing inspiration from the property's rural setting, we conceived a geometric design centered around radial arcs emanating from the house corner. Traditional building materials, such as clay pavers and granite setts, were juxtaposed with lush planting to soften the hardscape elements. Privacy for entertaining areas and unobstructed countryside views were key priorities.
Haywood Landscape’s Approach
The team crafted a large lower terrace for intimate gatherings, complemented by broad steps leading to an upper terrace offering panoramic views of the pastoral scenery. Planting near the house featured bold colours and forms, gradually transitioning to blend harmoniously with the natural landscape beyond.
Water Features Evolution
Responding to the client's desire for water features, we initially installed small foaming water 'geysers' encircling the lower patio. Automated reservoir top-ups ensured minimal maintenance. Over time, the design evolved to incorporate stainless steel columns with water cascading down their surfaces, adding a touch of elegance to the space.
The Results
The culmination of our efforts resulted in a breathtaking country garden that seamlessly marries contemporary design with rural tranquility. From the geometric layout to the evolving water features, every element reflects the client's vision and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
“As designers we can sometimes get possessive and precious about our creations. This was a good reminder that it is the clients’ needs and preferences that are paramount and our job is to get it right for them.”
Feeling inspired?
Click here or call 01227 733447 to schedule your garden design consultation.
DISCOVER OUR OTHER GARDEN DESIGN PROJECTS
An Informal Garden
One of the joys of being in a beautiful garden is that it helps us to relax and reconnect with nature. This is particularly so in a well-designed informal garden which our clients wish for their mature plot.
READ MORE"As you know we are delighted with our garden. We felt your professionalism was first class from start to finish, your gardeners were friendly and v..."
A Creative Drainage Solution
We were asked to specify and quote for the installation of a land drainage system for a large garden that routinely flooded in the winter. The soil was deep, heavy clay in a flat low-lying area with nowhere to drain to. We proposed a more creative solution:
READ MORE"This was definitely a case of working with nature rather than trying to fight it!"
A Large Garden To Compliment Contemporary Hanse Haus
Much like the Hanse Haus home it accompanies, this large formal garden is uncomplicated and professionally delivered with clean lines and a contemporary design.
READ MORE"“We originally requested that Haywood Landscapes help us with the design and specification for landscaping the garden, in order that we could put t..."
A traditional country garden
Making the most of the natural beauty of the Kent countryside, a traditional country garden should reflect its outlying landscape character. Lending itself to a free-flowing, informal planting scheme, the more traditional rural landscape design will often feature wildflowers, natural water, some kitchen and cottage garden elements, and softer themes.
READ MORE"“We did not fully appreciate how a professional garden design could bring us such ever-changing beauty every day. Neighbours and passers-by often s..."
A Modern Garden for Outdoor Living
As is often the case, when you move home, the garden you take on may not reflect your style or needs; it may be bigger or have elements that simply do not fit with your plans for enjoying your outdoor space. This was exactly the dilemma facing our clients near Faversham as they took on an awkward-shaped sloping garden...
READ MORE""After moving to our new home, we contacted Haywood Landscapes to breathe life into our lacklustre garden. From the outset, the team was responsive..."
A Small Front Garden
Our client was planning improvements to her house with a new front door and other projects and felt the garden let the property down. It was scruffy and uninteresting and reflected poorly on her nice home.
READ MORE"To complete the transformation the client was fortunate to benefit from the removal of a rather ugly telegraph pole which sat right on the edge of ..."
A Striking Country Garden Design
This converted farm building was a cattle byre (or shed in plain terminology) and is set in a rural Kentish landscape
READ MORE"Comments From Co-Founder of Haywood Landscapes, Andy Wiggins “As designers we can sometimes get possessive and precious about our creations. This w..."
An Overlooked Garden Transformed
With a property on a large new-build development our clients were blessed with a relatively large garden, but it was set on a hillside and had an awful outlook towards tall fences, timber retaining walls and properties ‘up-slope’ looming over them.
READ MORE"A shed, greenhouse and compost area were concealed behind a trellis screen and arch with access from a sloping path to the rear. From the top of th..."
A Contemporary Garden For Wildlife
Our client wanted a garden that would attract wildlife but not a textbook wildlife garden. She was keen to make a bold statement and wasn’t afraid of something a little out of the ordinary around her bungalow near the Kent coast
READ MORE"We were given a good service despite inclement weather. The design process itself was very enjoyable as we felt our ideas were really listened to....."
A Stylish Wilding of a New Home
Our brief was to create a garden for outdoor living that would also attract wildlife, to be contemporary in style yet informal.
READ MORE"“In our brief to Andy, we requested a wildlife-friendly garden with a contemporary, shaded seating area and space for outdoor dining. It was a big ..."
A Family Garden
With no existing features or character to guide the design, new-build homes with ‘blank Canvas’ plots can sometimes be more challenging to design than a more mature garden. This particular example was sloping across its entire depth and featured poor heavy clay soil. It was also an irregular awkward shape, producing lots of additional challenges.
READ MORE"Having bought a new home, we wanted a garden to match and chose Haywood Landscapes as we were impressed with Andrew's knowledge, ability to underst..."
A Seaside Garden
Separated from the beach only by a quiet road and with a commanding view across the English Channel, this fine property in Deal was let down by the garden. With a massively overgrown rockery and dilapidated crazy paving their coastal garden design was very dated, in a poor state, and completely unmanageable for our clients who are an elderly couple. They wanted us to come up with some suitable seaside garden ideas that would transform their garden.
READ MORE
