A instant mature garden for new house in Chesham, Buckinghamshire

The existing property had been demolished and a new house built in its place on this large plot in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. The owner of the new Georgian-style residence commissioned Artscape to transform the grounds and create the appearance of an instant mature, well-established garden.

We came up with this garden design and new hard landscaping and planting that enhances the setting of the house. The layout and features are guided by the principles of nature, simplicity and pleasure associated with a Georgian garden.

Planting at the front of the house

Extensive planting was used to soften the gravel driveway and create an elegant approach to the house. We also trained large climbers to the front of the house. The evergreen Trachelospermum jasminoides has been planted on either side of the front door. This attractive climber has clusters of fragrant white flowers in summer. We also planted a large mature Wisteria Sinensis and have trained it to twine across the front of the house. The Wisteria Sinensis is a spectacular and graceful climbing vine, fast growing and extremely hardy with showy violet flowers in early summer and wonderful for covering walls and archways. In addition, we planted Taxus baccata (Yew) columns which grow quickly and provide vertical interest between the windows.

Planting for instant interest

Giant oat grass (Stipa gigantea) provides instant height and interest in the large borders. The seedheads are imposing yet transparent and catch the light beautifully.

Shrubs include lovely evergreen Lavender, deciduous Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’ with upright spikes of violet blue flower and eye-catching Cotinus, which makes a dramatic specimen with its vibrant foliage in spring and autumn. Perennials include the bold, evergreen Euphorbia characias, and hairy Phlomis russeliana with soft yellow flowers

Features of a Georgian-style garden

At the rear of the house, we built several different areas including a topiary garden and a large patio for dining and entertainment. Elements of formality such as topiary and stone pathways and terraces give an air of permanence and suit a Georgian setting. The natural stone paving and binding gravel used to create a sense of large scale which matches the house. The statue in the landscape acts as a focal point. Known as ‘eyecatchers’, artificial features are often used in Georgian garden design.

A formal topiary garden for the feeling of age

Buxus balls and hedges were introduced to add some formality to the garden design. The clipping of hedges and topiary conveys a sense of long-term intervention by a horticulturalist which also suggests a more mature garden. Box balls and low clipped hedging provide a strong evergreen structure and give the garden a classical feel.

Our garden designers are now avoiding box in their planting plans because of the prevalence of the box tree moth caterpillar problem. A few good substitutes for box topiary include yew (Taxus baccata), pittosporum and privet. It is a good idea to have a mix of different shrubs as diversity helps to maintain a healthy garden by preventing the spread of a pest or disease.