GARDEN RANDLE SIDDELEY Words by Helen Chislett 'Lighting the Garden' by Sally Storey
I would like to dedicate this book to my family: to my father, John Siddeley, who passed on his passion for excellence in design and who commissioned the ďŹ rst two landscape projects on which my business was founded. To my mother, Jacqueline, for creating an environment for me to grow up in which nurtured my interest and enthusiasm for gardens. To my wife, Kiki, who has for years patiently put up with me being in foreign climes, often at short notice and at the most inconvenient times. And to William and Edward, who I hope will one day have gardens to love of their own.
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‘It takes a designer’s eye to see the potential of a garden like this, but bringing it to fruition means men, machines and a certain amount of mayhem. You have to keep telling yourself it will all be worth it and keep the faith.’
This is a small, private estate which stretches along a steeply banked Cotswold valley. The clients use the handsome Grade II-listed Edwardian house as a weekend retreat for themselves, their children and their friends. The garden is enormous – about 3.5 hectares/9 acres in all, including ancient beech woodland. Originally instructed to landscape around the house itself, Randle advocated the need for a more ambitious and comprehensive master plan, which would give the vast area a sense of structure and release the garden’s true potential. -2863 (9'8- 3 2 8 , ) 4)6 * )' 8 )2 + 0 - 7 , + %6 ( ) 2
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