stone walling
Stone walls are a welcomed sight within the landscape. They sit unassumingly, their presence quiet but weight felt as they stand rooted to the ground. They are historical documents marking the landscape with lines that persist, telling stories of arduous toil and craftsmanship. Some of the oldest walls were created as ‘clearance walls’, unearthed stone piled up in convenient areas in order for agriculture to take place.
In this garden we are using a similar tact, piling up and reusing the dug out stone where needed, adding a deep and rich texture to the gardens atmosphere and sense of place. Along with additional locally sourced stone, the walls within this garden all play different roles. Some stand alone, tapered and traditional, others mask concrete blocks, the stone concealing the modern with a weathered veneer. Although these walls are constructed with different methods, the stone is a constant, a pattern that threads through the garden connecting the spaces like a stitch through the fabric.
approach boundary
An attractive dry stone wall that forms the boundary to the East of the garden. Its unkempt appearance enhanced further by the Geranium Robertianum nestled within the gaps, the delicate flowers providing a flourish of pink from April to November. We shortened the wall by 1.5 metres from its existing length, although a minor change it made a significant difference to the overall impression of the entrance, feeling more comfortable and inviting. The lawn now continues in front of the wall and alongside the pathway, creating a soft and informal approach.
The curved nature of this wall came about by necessity, it was important to integrate the existing steps down to the brook into the design but we also wanted to create a threshold between the entrance and the cultivated garden. The curved wall provides a connection between the house and the brook, its influence subtle due to its continuous form, complementing the approach boundary. The walls were built using salvaged stone, already weathered and characterful, adding a touch that only time can offer.
curved wall
Retaining the garden between the house and the brook, a once dry stone wall now made stronger and taller. In the winter months the water level has the ability to rise with a fast strike, a powerful torrent abrading the stone. Each hour it rises, encroaching on the recess step by step.
the brook
kitchen garden
The retaining wall defines the kitchen garden, the land gradually banked up towards the woodland. From lower ground level the wall reaches 1.5 metres in height, making it an ideal spot to grow espalier fruit trees with its sunny south facing position. On the upper level the wall rises past ground level to seat height, creating a low boundary. The top of the wall is benched with a shallow camber of concrete. We welcomed this understated coping having seen many farm walls topped in the same way.
The wall is a combination of old and new stone.
secluded garden
Retaining the ground above the house, this wall runs the length of the secluded garden, its line taken off the axis of an existing wall, allowing us to open up a larger more usable space below. A block wall was first constructed then faced with new cropped stone. Mortar has been used for strength but is not visible, providing the illusion of a dry stone wall. An outcrop of bedrock results in a gap in the wall, its presence gives indicating to the nature of the surrounding land.