Modern Garden Design, Chartham, Kent, UK
Modern garden design that is ‘cottage-style-Dungeness-inspired’
Modern garden design with the challenge to bring together two completely different styles. One is abundant cottage-style planting and the other is a contemporary modern garden inspired by the topography, planting and structures found at Dungeness Power Station. In addition, the garden must be fully wheelchair accessible and low-maintenance as the Clients are busy individuals. The planting is to complement the theme of escape, relaxation and contemplation. The Brief is also to design a garden that no-one would expect behind the Clients’ house – a Kent cottage facing a river. An existing concrete base for a garden shed is to remain and a further challenge is to create a beautiful garden with access either through the house or through a neighbour’s field. Vertical elements / accents are important as is the creation of an almost hidden seating area at the far end of the garden without enclosing the garden too much. Mature apple trees will be pruned back to form espaliered trees to one side. Ornamental grasses will be incorporated into the planting to add movement, but the use of rippling water is to be omitted. Pathways and turning circles need to be wide enough for a wheelchair and the materials to be in keeping with the design, which are functional and accessible but not ‘institutional’. Lighting will be used for ambient, accenting and to give texture, focus and shape, adding depth and shade.
A modern garden design, while designed for a client who uses a wheelchair, is a fully accessible garden for all.