Mixed blessings
Gardens Illustrated|June 2023
In a quiet corner of Essex, designer Stefano Marinaz has replaced a lawn and parking space with a naturalistic garden of mixed planting that offers interest all year
- MATTHEW BIGGS
Mixed blessings

When landscape architect Stefano Marinaz first arrived at this barn conversion next to an ancient village church, he found an extensive lawn and patio, and disproportionately large parking space that was completely out of context with the site. Luckily, the owners weren't wedded to the lawn and were happy to embrace Stefano's ideas for the area. "My portfolio appealed to them but they couldn't imagine my gardens in their space," says Stefano. "It wasn't until I visited to explain our vision that their new garden was born." Rather than look to the imposing 18th-century barn for inspiration, Stefano took his cue from the surrounding countryside. "The idea was to create a structure using woody plants and hedges, and add grasses and perennials for texture and colour," he explains. His design is based around interconnecting informal paths that help to divide the garden and lead to three organically shaped open areas - one for sunbathing, another focused around a firepit and the third, a sunny spot where the owners enjoy their morning coffee.

To keep hard landscaping to a minimum, as well as to maximise planting space and unify the garden, Stefano used the light gravel that had covered the parking space. The terrace by the barn was enclosed with rusted-metal estate fencing, increasing the space available for entertaining. A new front courtyard created a sense of arrival. Finally, a tall brick wall was demolished, linking the new courtyard and existing terrace.

この蚘事は Gardens Illustrated の June 2023 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は Gardens Illustrated の June 2023 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

GARDENS ILLUSTRATEDのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER?
Gardens Illustrated

WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER?

Giving your free time to volunteer in the community or as a mentor can have a big impact, and also benefit you in ways you can't imagine, says John Wyer

time-read
3 分  |
October 2024
EARTHLY CONCERN
Gardens Illustrated

EARTHLY CONCERN

Weeds, slugs, birds and mice - all are welcome on Birch Farm in Devon, where Joshua Sparkes seeks to respect the local ecosystem and mimic nature in his innovative approach to growing

time-read
4 分  |
October 2024
Gardening is good for you
Gardens Illustrated

Gardening is good for you

In the first of his new factual column on the benefits of gardening, Dr Richard Claxton uncovers all the evidence-based ways it can help your physical health.

time-read
4 分  |
October 2024
TANGERINE DREAM
Gardens Illustrated

TANGERINE DREAM

On the edge of one of London's busiest roundabouts, Nigel Dunnett has created exciting combinations of drought-tolerant plants for a roof garden that is as unexpected as it is joyful

time-read
4 分  |
October 2024
GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT
Gardens Illustrated

GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT

Growing your own edible plants is a great way to boost your gut microbiome. Discover expert picks of edimentals that are both beautiful and beneficial

time-read
3 分  |
October 2024
Waste not, nice plot
Gardens Illustrated

Waste not, nice plot

Designer Miria Harris gave herself the challenge of a no-skip, zero-waste project, giving away, recycling or reusing everything in this back garden before transforming it into a space her client could love

time-read
4 分  |
October 2024
One for all
Gardens Illustrated

One for all

A new community garden designed by Sarah Price around an old library turned arts centre in southeast London is a treasured space for local residents and garden lovers alike

time-read
4 分  |
October 2024
Meet our horticultural HEROES
Gardens Illustrated

Meet our horticultural HEROES

Discover the stories of the extraordinary garden champions who are making a difference to places, people, plants and the planet

time-read
10+ 分  |
October 2024
SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE
Gardens Illustrated

SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE

In the culinary world, chefs and food writers sometimes closely guard their recipes, says Nigel Slater. Among gardeners, however, there is a refreshing spirit of generosity

time-read
3 分  |
October 2024
Autumn at Sissinghurst
Gardens Illustrated

Autumn at Sissinghurst

As the garden slips into a new season, head gardener Troy Scott Smith and his team are busy with tasks from hedge cutting and lawn work to bulb planting and sowing seeds.

time-read
2 分  |
October 2024