in upheaval

The work of a landscape designer often encounters a site in upheaval with building works. Fortunately we saw this site when the existing house still sat in perfect isolation within the neglected but also lovely garden with hugely beautiful views to the landscape beyond. So useful to recollect the character that we breathed in at that site visit 4 years ago. Many things have happened since – a rejected planning application and clients who were busy on other housing schemes  – building, selling, moving in and out and just time whizzing past – but now we’re called back to see what can be done with the garden areas around the new eco house. 

Recent heavy rain and compacted sub soil from machinery movement mean horrible conditions and surfaces. The site is steeply sloping containing kitchen garden, orchard, woodland and paddocks. We’ll see! 

A few lines of T.S.Eliot came to mind:

We shall not cease from exploration.

And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive

where we started and know the place for the first time.  Little Gidding

Talking practical possibilities through with the clients – drives, turning circles, pathway networks, play areas, terraces, swimming pool –  but also bearing in mind the contextual landscape of this part of Sussex (AONB), criss crossed with quiet winding lanes, banks with wildflowers and native hedgerows. Mmmmmm. Lots to absorb. We are magicians!

I know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows,

Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows

Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,

With sweet musk-roses, and with eglantine:   W Shakespeare A Midsummer Night’s Dream