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.
Denne historien er fra June 2023-utgaven av Gardens Illustrated.
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Denne historien er fra June 2023-utgaven av Gardens Illustrated.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
Meet our horticultural HEROES
Discover the stories of the extraordinary garden champions who are making a difference to places, people, plants and the planet
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
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.