Transforming an unkempt

PRIVATE LANDSCAPING PROJECT, HERTFORDSHIRE

Transforming an unkempt 200-yearold walled garden into a desirable outdoor space that can be enjoyed all year round was the challenge presented to Haddonstone by one of their landscaping clients. BALI registered cast stone manufacturer Haddonstone was commissioned by their Hertfordshire-based client to transform a large residential garden. Haddonstone’s client had inherited the large walled garden when they purchased the property over 10 years ago. Whilst it certainly exuded charm, the client felt its original appearance was a little ‘scruffy’. The client wanted to incorporate stylish hard landscaping elements that would add structure, whilst enhancing and complementing the original design.

The client originally worked on an outline design with a professional landscaper, before developing the plan to suit their individual tastes. They worked closely with Haddonstone to develop a bespoke design that provided both practicality and a sharp, polished look. The client chose Haddonstone’s products as a costeffective solution that offered highquality landscaping options that would work sympathetically with the original walled garden.

The client was keen to create several strong focal points and to introduce pathways to encircle the lawn, allowing the garden to be enjoyed all year round. They were also keen to play with perspective - important because the garden is formed across a number of levels.

Foremost, the client was keen to emphasize the significant redbrick entranceway to their garden, approached from a lower-level courtyard. Two existing original brick piers had crumbled and needed to be professionally restored by a specialist builder, so that they seamlessly blended with the remaining wall. Haddonstone’s cast stone pier caps and ball finials were then chosen to sit on top of the restored gate piers to protect the bricks and to enhance the entranceway. Haddonstone then worked with the client to produce two sets of cast stone steps that lead up to the upper garden. From the courtyard, this cleverly gives the perspective of just one set of steps and reduced the need to excavate too much ground, thereby exposing the original wall to the risk of collapse by using forceful digging equipment.

Inside the garden, a contemporary pool area was formed through combining Haddonstone cast stone steps, copings, a pool surround and additional pier caps and ball finials. The pool area was designed over three levels, using copings to skilfully incorporate the existing red brick wall.

Additional Haddonstone elements were chosen by the client including a State Vase and an Eastwell Urn, both of which created additional focal areas and are accessible from separate pathways. The client also chose several complementary Haddonstone Elizabethan Jardinieres and an Armillary Sphere sundial.

The entire landscape was completed using a combination of Haddonstone and TecStone material in Portland colour.

Haddonstone’s client was delighted with the company’s high levels of customer service throughout the project and the quality of the cast stone products. The company provided all technical drawings and were on-hand to assist, and to answer any questions. Delivery of the stonework by the company’s own transport fleet with mounted forklift and the installation of the stonework by the client’s contractor was straightforward.

Over time the Haddonstone landscaping elements have weathered but this has only added to the overall design, whilst working sympathetically with the original redbrick elements.

The client maintains an ongoing positive relationship with Haddonstone and continues to purchase their high-quality cast stonework for their garden.

Haddonstone The Forge House East Haddon Northampton NN6 8DB www.haddonstone.com 01604 770711

THE TECHTURF ROOTZONE REINFORCEMENT SYSTEM

The TechTurf rootzone reinforcement system was originally developed in the UK following extensive research carried in the UK and USA.

Subsequent research showed that the use of mesh elements provided up to a 35% improvement in reinforcing effect when compared to all fibre alternatives. The TechTurf system provides a solution to load bearing; trafficked or high wear grassed areas and is SuDs compliant.

The system consists of 3 elements: a) The reinforced rootzone material b) Specialised fertiliser c) Specially grown turf to complement the rootzone

The TechTurf rootzone is reinforced with an exact percentage of randomly oriented polypropylene mesh elements. The grass roots penetrate and entwine with the mesh elements, stabilising the system and providing positive anchorage for the grass plants.

The result is an engineered natural grass surface with high load bearing characteristics, improved damage resistance and a unique cultivation property which overcomes the problem of soil compaction. It is an ideal solution for a natural, environmentally attractive area where excessive traffic loadings are anticipated but a natural grass finish is desired.

The system is therefore ideal for: Walkways, Emergency access routes, Sport Surfaces, Aviation Areas, Equestrian, Landscaping, Housing Projects & Public Areas

Benefits of Naylor TechTurf: a) SUDS compliant - Excellent drainage properties. b) Invisible once installed but still performs. c) Improved root growth - reinforcement maintains hydration and prevents compaction. d) Natural Alternative - maintains the natural environment. e) No grid reinforcement visible. f) Versatile - Excellent in 'high traffic' areas giving a natural appearance but supplying a hard wearing surface. g) Ease of Maintenance - No special measures required. h) Cost Effective - a viable alternative to grid reinforcement.