Cassia
Click on a photo to enlarge. Scroll down to have a read of the process involved!
This was a lovely, fairly simple project in one of the Chichester new-build estates but it was a delight to work on for some truly kind people. We are so lucky to always get such wonderful clients! Paula would ply us with drinks and homemade goodies every day and at the end of the project went out of her way to write a personalised card thanking each team member as well as gift us each a box of delicious, homemade muffins! So spoilt.
We started by mapping out the areas as we always do and running through it and the process with the client. Then we proceeded to excavate the existing soil – luckily our clients opted not to pay extra to have their garden turfed by the builders, as the quality of the soil was truly awful and it would’ve been a waste.
We set our heights and falls with the laser and pegs, applied geo-membrane and then the scalping sub-base which was compacted before moving onto the paved areas. With the curves, we usually find it easier to overlay a little and then mark and cut the shape out. Our clients opted to use one of the more expensive stones on the market, Jura beige limestone, which was exquisite. It is renowned throughout the world for its enduring beauty with encapsulated “Ammonite” fossils dating back to the Jurassic period; upon close inspection, you could notice the subtle fossil and shell markings throughout!
With the pavers, we got the edging down first and made sure it stayed in place with a haunch. Once that went off we could bring in sand, compact it and level it off with a screed. We played around with the patterns before deciding that the herringbone would suit the garden best. Having completed the paths, we then swept sand into the pavers, which interlocks the body of the pavers together, holding it all in place.
Whilst digging out the lawn and bed areas, our clients were happy for us to excavate more than is usually required; we explained about the extremely poor quality of the clay soil and that the longevity of any natural materials installed would be dubious. In order to give the plants and lawn the best possible chance to thrive, this was the most prudent option.
We helped our clients choose from appropriate tree options for screening the house opposite whilst staying within budget, and sourced 15 beautiful, clear-stem hollies that we also planted and staked along the back bed. Being a great gardening and plant enthusiast, Paula was keen to go hunting across all the nurseries herself and filled any bedding space available in an informal, cottage-style scheme. We absolutely love it. She has made the space her own and it resembles a peaceful, yet very much alive and thriving paradise! We can’t wait for next spring and summer to come back for more photos.