The evolution of a garden

Back in spring 2004, we were asked to design and build a garden.  A good size and surrounded by established trees and farmland, the plot itself was a blank canvas, other than the existing house.  We have continued to maintain that garden ever since. 

In summer 2023, we had the opportunity to visit, with a professional photographer, to see how it has grown and evolved over time.  You can see for yourself in the photos below.  Enjoy!

Before – 2004

This almost half acre garden is in a rural location and surrounded by fields.  Hambrooks were commissioned to create a beautiful but naturalistic garden, with water as the main feature.  The client’s preference was for sweeping curves and soft flowing borders, with a design that would provide interesting views from the house as well as in the garden itself.

After - Summer 2023 (almost twenty years on)

The client was extremely happy with Hambrooks’ design and with our ongoing maintenance of the garden.  He values the plant knowledge of our teams, which he feels ensures he gets a garden which provides so much enjoyment. 

Hambrooks have been able to adapt as needed over the years; a tree hit by lightning was dug out and replaced with a bed, for example, in keeping with the original design feel whilst also ensuring the garden has evolved with nature.

During - 2004

Hambrooks planned the layout and started by building the main water feature, a cascade with a large pond, boardwalk and decking area.

Summer 2023

The pond and boardwalk are completely naturalised in the garden today (on the right in the picture) and provide a home for frogs, dragonflies and other wildlife as well as an attractive seating area looking back towards the house.

During – 2004

Another view of the water feature in construction, from the newly enlarged and updated patio area.

Summer 2023

Hambrooks continue to maintain the garden, winning an APL (Association of Professional Landscapers) award for it in 2012.  From almost the same vantage point as on the left, this image shows just how well the plants have established and how important the ongoing maintenance is to keep them in shape. 

Before – 2004

The patio area around the house was looking tired so the client wanted it updated.  Consideration was given on both how to access the garden from the patio as well as how to make the patio feel less exposed.

Summer 2023

The patio is a larger and more usable space now which almost wraps around the entire back of the house, providing seating areas which follow the sun during the day. Each area has views through to the garden as well as having the feeling of being nestled into the now-matured planting.

Summer 2023

Above – showing the cascade and boardwalk seating area above the pond, now fully matured and looking like it’s always been there.

Below– the client enjoys having pots for colour as well as the joy of growing food; sweetcorn plants fit nicely into their surroundings on the patio!