GARDEN IN KENT
An organic small holding in Kent
reimagined. This garden has been inspired by the history of the land and its
uses. For the past 35 years it has been run as an organic small holding but it
is now being downsized to suit the lifestyle of the now retired couple who live
here. The site and the area in general has a long history of agriculture and
evidence of this has been left imprinted on the land. Aerial photography
reveals old plough lines in the grassland which form a grid like pattern. As
nature creeps back in to reclaim the land it softens the stark boundaries and
definite lines created by people. The once clearly defined field boundaries are
now beginning to blend into the surrounding woodland as trees self-seed and
woodland plants encroach upon the fields. In this design the blending of the boundaries
is encouraged by adding more trees to the grassland around the edges of the
fields to bring the woodland into the space.
A number of Betula copses have sprung
up forming interesting curved shapes. These shapes have been replicated in
the design and in the planting to contrast with the strong lines of the grid
layout.
In the garden close to the house the
plant choices have been informed by what is growing in the fields and woodlands
by choosing cultivated varieties from the same families. For example Achillea millefolium will mimic wild
Yarrow, Salvia nemorosa will mimic Salvia verbenaca (Wild Sage) and
cultivated roses will mimic wild roses. Also grasses will be used to link
with the many grasses growing naturally in the landscape.