RETREAT GARDENS

The brief for this impressive rural retreat was to develop a Master Planting Plan -all hardscape elements, water features and major foundation plantings were existing prior to our consultancy.

The design intent was to bring the existing landscape to the next level with rich plantings providing movement, textures, scents and sounds leading to feelings of awe when moving through the landscape. We wanted to add to the landscape in a way that creates a continuously changing scene, offers surprises at every turn and interest throughout the seasons, ensuring cohesiveness and sustainability between the various areas and the surrounding countryside.

We aimed to include a minimum of 50% native plants within the landscape, which has rendered it a haven for birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Lilac Grove Maze: Addition of an outer arc with a matrix planting comprised of 50% native plants.

Front Entrance: Enhancement and restructuring of existing gardens at the front of the home to provide four seasons interest and complimentary textures while maintaining the formal linear lines and subdued colour palette of the architecture.

Poolside: Replaced a monoculture of invasive Euonymus fortunei under the yew hedge with discreet and elegant underplantings of sedums and Artemisia within a matrix of the native grass Carex rosea for the pool interior, and a palette of moody hues and textures for the pool exterior.

Pond and Stream: Terrestrial and aquatic plantings surrounding the stream and pond edges to introduce colour, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity and the naturalistic quality of this aquatic environment.

Rosarium: Reminiscent of a rose garden, plantings feature exuberant blooms throughout the seasons, such as double tulips, peonies, roses and dahlias, intermingled with delicate natives and nativars.

Event Space: Expansive area with block plantings (50% native plants) framing glamping domes and paths to the renovated barn.