BIODIVERSE SWIMMING POND
THE PLACE - A detached house in a rural setting on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead. The property sits in an acre of land surrounded by mature trees with glimpsed views to the surrounding farmland. The rear garden has a southerly aspect allowing light to filter through the tree canopies. Lots of wildlife comes to visit, particularly ducks, geese and Roe and Muntjac deer.
THE BRIEF
Our clients were a couple with grown up children who enjoy gardening and entertaining. The primary aim was to create a cohesive flow between the newly renovated house and the garden spaces outdoors.
With an active interest in biodiversity, they were keen for us to design a planting scheme that optimised the full potential the site. A previously unused swimming pool offered an exciting opportunity to create a pond perfect for flora, fauna and people alike!
THE DESIGN
The existing deck at the rear of the house was extended to connect it to the swimming pool which was transformed into a stunning natural swimming pond.
A new gravel garden added a seating area by the side of the property. A sweeping gravel path leads to a new potager and greenhouse with a rose covered pergola running alongside.
The clients had always wanted a wildflower meadow so a large sunny spot at the rear of the garden was cleared of brambles and rotovated. The fertility of the soil was optimised then reseeded with a wildflower seed mix. Additional plant plugs and spring bulbs were planted to enhance the wildflower meadow.
