The clients recently acquired what appeared at first sight, to be wasteland almost directly in front of their Barn Style House on the edge of Caversham. However situated on the edge of a golf course the wasteland harboured badger sets, foxes and hideaways for deer. Somehow they had to be accommodated whilst intelligently incorporating the newly acquired wilderness into the existing garden.

With the overall design being prepared by designer Helen Sales, a dramatic natural wildlife pond with deck board walk was proposed. Read more…

This was to be surrounded by indigenous marginal plantings and natural meadows. Meanwhile an avenue of Prunus Snowgoose underplanted with grids of naturalistic plantings lined the drive and entrance to the house, replacing the tired and exhausted pergola.Planning permission was required with work having to be carried out with regard to the protected status of the badgers and as the last plants were planted, a hose pipe ban arrived.

Nevertheless the transformation was staggering and a duck house took pride of place without an MP in sight.

“From the start of the design process everyone associated with this project has been professional, enthusiastic and hard working. The transformation from ‘Jungle’ to stunning wildlife pond plus our ‘wedding’ cherry trees and wild flowers has been amazing. We really couldn’t have asked for more and are delighted with the results”