Our latest project
The large garden at Manor
Cottage has lawns which
extend into a small orchard. During the spring and
summer these areas are regularly mown, generating a
lot of potential compost. Additionally, the many
mature trees, including walnut and magnolia, shed
large volumes of leaves in autumn.
The client, Annabel wanted a simple solution to deal with the large
volume of compost generated. She wanted a space that
her ride-on mower could negotiate. Drawing on the
skills of a local craftsman, a series of traditional
bays with removable waney-edge boards were
constructed, using green oak from Aconbury Wood. In
time these will turn a beautiful silver colour.
To break up the hard edges of these bays, a planting
scheme has been implemented which will bring all year
round colour. Vitis cognetiae will spread across the
oak, creating a screen of large, deep-red leaves in
autumn. A living willow fence provides support and
spring colour, while a low hedge of alternating
eucalyptus and silver birch around the perimeter adds
rhythm. Also the dusty oranges and shiny whites of the
barks give winter colour.
Living willow has also been used to create a
composting area for leaf mold. This area is gated to
allow for wheelbarrow access. Finally a small Ginkgo
biloba will grow to create dappled shade over the
area, ensuring that the composting grass cuttings
don't overheat. The entire project took eight days to
complete, and is now in constant use.
