Bourne from a need to solve an long term drainage issue and the desire to create a garden the house finally deserved, our aims here were firstly, to create a suitable solution for the surface water issue, and secondly to create an attractive, useable and sustainable space to enjoy and reflect the style of the home the garden was attached to.

“We are delighted with our new garden which has been completely transformed by Richard and the team. From design through to completion, Astek were a pleasure to work with, and we would highly recommend them if you are considering re-landscaping”

Located on the banks of the River Ouse just outside York, nestles a private, home with traditional values, modernised for the present day with a garden that just didn’t work, add value or was useable for much of the year.

As with most full garden re-development projects, a client brief, highlighting aims and objectives, and an overview of the main problems and opportunities of a site is a must, and a good way forward for creating a considered design proposal that meets the needs of the client and their particular wishes.

Surface water drainage was a real issue here. The rear garden never flooded from the river; however, ground conditions rendered the garden unusable for many months of the year.

Step one for us was to create a comprehensive drainage scheme that futureproofed the garden and improved its useability, which enabled us to create a suitable design proposal that worked long term and added value.

For the design proposal, we took reference from the house itself, its sightlines and proportions, and how the garden related to access points throughout the space.

• Formal space close to the house for seating, a small water feature and structural elements that grounded the garden with the architecture of the house.
• Path access to the main points within the garden, echoing the structure of how the garden will be used.
• A surface water drainage scheme dealing with the inherent bad ground conditions.
• A new ornate greenhouse with irrigation built in.
• A summerhouse and bar for those entertaining evenings.
• Boat parking area and access out through a separate entrance / exit.
• Fine lawns and a planting scheme to help bring all elements together.
• External lighting helps create useability into the evenings.

Creating a design proposal here was essential to help show all elements of the garden layout. Bespoke planting plans and material selection is also an important part of how we communicate our proposals with our clients and how clients have the ability to choose specific plant types or materials that they particularly appreciate.

Gardens are personal, and tastes, styles and the selection of plant types can involve sentimental choices. Guiding you through what is not only available, but what works and what won’t, is part and parcel of a good design team.