Naturalistic Planting Within a Residential Development, Manchester, UK
A great opportunity to introduce a naturalistic planting scheme to a mixed-use residential development
The developers of this mixed-use scheme really wanted to showcase naturalistic planting, sustainability and biodiversity in the outside spaces around these apartments and retail units. Five large Populus tremula trees to the rear are set within drifts of naturalistic planting, comprising Sesleria autumnalis, Libertia grandiflora, Valeriana officinalis, Thymus serphyllum ‘Snowdrift’, Sporobolus heterolepis, Pennisetum alopecuroides, Salvia ‘Bumblesnow’, Pachysandra terminalis and Erigeron karvinskianus. Early spring and summer bulbs punctuate the scheme with shots of yellow, pink and purple. At the front of the residential block Betula pendula trees are set within rain gardens to collect and deal with excess water run off. Beneficial pollinators are welcomed throughout this scheme with bug hotels and bee bricks incorporated into the design. Sourcing local products was key for this project, both to retain the feel of the local environment and to reduce our design carbon footprint.
The pathways are covered with a gravel stabilisation system and infilled and top-dressed with dove grey Derbyshire Peakstone. The feature trees are lit from below creating subtle shadows on the brickwork. Low bollard lights illuminate the pathways. Ground floor apartments access the gardens via their own patio area of Bromley clay pavers.
This elegant, modern mixed-use development sits harmoniously within the naturalistic planting scheme, as if the building has risen from the soil below..
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