We recently completed a particularly exciting edible garden project for a client based in South Malling, Lewes.
THE BRIEF
The brief comprised of incorporating an edible Mediterranean-inspired garden that includes a deck that allows you to make the most of the beautiful view and sunsets. In addition, to create a play deck for their grandchildren with steps and access into the forested section. With the emphasis on ensuring the whole site is suitable as a playground for young children – a place where they can learn and grow.
THE PROJECT
As with all our designs, following an initial discussion with the client and understanding their requirements, we produce a preparatory report.
The site had been previously cleared and a large tree had already been felled which made assessing the area a lot easier. Despite the steep slopes and the rubble left behind from an old shed and dry dusty soil, we were able to take several samples from test holes dug to determine the depth of the chalk. As expected, the chalk was only 15cm below the surface and the soil was very alkaline with little variation across the site. Due to the gradient of the slope at a rather steep 1:2 it made the survey challenging to determine where everything was going to fit.
Our initial design concept was for two terraces and two decks all at different levels. However, due to lack of space, we collectively decided on a singular but larger terrace with two decks at the top that are staggered to follow the contours and slope of the garden.
All the timber for the decking was locally supplied with the roundwood sweet chestnut balustrades coming from a woodland a little over ten miles from the garden. The main terrace was contrasted with beautiful oak sleepers inside an all-British steel frame. That featured a staircase to one side. The oak was supplied by a timber merchant no more than two miles from the site with the steel from a site just three miles away.
Most of the work was carried out by hand due to the tight access restrictions. We did make use of a digger to remove the twelve tons of chalk from the site and at the same time lift in seven tons of topsoil. This all happened on just one day during the six-week project. The topsoil came from another local business who are part of a wider composting program.
We added stepping paths through the woodland area that were made from the trunk of the large tree that had previously been felled. A beautifully and organic way to recycle whilst also improving access in the woodland.
THE OUTCOME
A beautifully finished outdoor space and an incredibly happy customer. The client are keen gardeners themselves and wanted to delve into the planting themselves. With this being an edible garden project we provided them with plenty of invaluable advice on placement and suitable plants given the nature of their outdoor space.
It is vital you ensure that the plants are placed in a suitable location to allow them to thrive. Our in-depth knowledge in soil science and the biochemistry of various plants allows us to integrate edibles seamlessly within your outdoor whilst improving function and the aesthetics of the space. Our Edible Landscapes page covers this in greater detail.
An exciting and unique project and despite the challenges of working on an incredibly steep slope during the height of summer, we were able to fulfill the brief.
Have any questions or would like to discuss a design for your outdoor space? Please head to our Contact page and fill out the online form or alternatively, you can call us directly on 01273 107326 / 07565 842951.
We look forward to learning how we can nurture your landscape for the future.