Christine Whatley designed this elegant garden, which won a Commendation at the Association of Professional Landscapers Awards 2009, to complement the Georgian manor house for a family in Hampshire.
Since the family had moved into the house, the gardener spent considerably more time in the garden than they did. Having renovated the house, they decided it was time to move on to the garden and to reclaim it for their own use. The garden needed to provide entertaining space and a safe environment for children, and above all enhance the character of the house.
Christine designed the garden with several distinct areas, all carefully combining to form an elegant whole. There is a formal entrance area befitting the house, a charming dining courtyard enhanced by the sound of running water, a sophisticated shaded entertaining area, a children's play area and lawn, a stunning formal lawn, and a delightful kitchen garden.
Through careful selection and pruning of existing shrubs, long lost views were revealed out of the garden, whilst at the same time maintaining a sense of maturity. New planting included strong architectural elements, in the form of clipped Box, pleached Hornbeams and an avenue of Irish Yew, contrasting with softer naturalistic planting.
Christine designed all the bespoke elements for the garden, including the stainless steel water feature, flint faced benches, arbour and trellis, and bin/logstore.
Christine also devised the lighting plan for the garden, which takes on a new ambience in the evening. Furniture was a key element in the entertaining areas, and Christine sourced the dining and sofa furniture, as well as finishing touches such as planters.
In presenting the APL Award, the Judges praised the choice of quality materials and the craftmanship of the flintwork, and were particularly impressed with the design of the seating area.