Umborne - BALI Award Winning Garden
This Devon garden won a prestigious BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) award in the domestic garden category.
The client wanted a design that would complement the charm of their grade 2 listed thatched cottage. The accepted design included a substantial pond with stepping stones, cobbled pathways and a bridge across a dry riverbed.
The major challenge was to make a long thin garden appear deeper and wider than it was. The design and clever planting scheme achieved this and created a country garden that is in keeping with its surroundings.
Of particular note is the pond which had stepping stones built across the centre suspended on concrete piers. This created the illusion that the stones were floating on the surface of the water. Clay spoil was used as a marginal planting medium and to hide the edge of the liner. Skilful use of the right plants created a natural feel and a seat was placed for quiet contemplation. The bridge was built in local flint over an old culvert which was then transformed into a dry river bed using local stone and appropriate planting. Connecting cobbled pathways, rustic pole screens and further planting completed this award-winning garden.
Budget: Circa £25,000 - £30,000
Time to construct: 12 weeks