Plan for changes in your garden, and sometimes wonderful surprises can h...

Plan for changes in your garden, and sometimes wonderful surprises can happen! Blog 16

Posted on 5 Oct, 2008 21 comments

This is the story of what has happened to our garden over the last four years.
Sometimes when we look back on all the fabulous adventures we have had with the garden in this very short space of time, we can hardly beleive that all of the following has come true…....

It many ways it has been an a magical journey, and we hope you will enjoy reading about our adventures…..

If you are considering any changes to your garden it is important to plan for any that you wish to make.
Four years ago we completely cleared our entire garden, and started again. We dug up the whole site and the work took four months to complete.
We filled six huge skips, and removed eight tons of concrete, soil, rubble and waste.
We then had a completely blank canvas, and we sat down with huge sheets of paper and shared and recorded all the ideas and designs that we evisaged for our garden.

We wanted to include the following elements in our new garden:

A wildlife pond with water cascade, an exotic area, a woodland area, colour themed areas, a temple folly ruin, a Southern Hemisphere garden, several large pieces of statuary and classical stone urns, and an Italianate garden.
We also wanted to incoporate faux rock work that was convincing and looked and felt like the real thing.

We also wanted to include an outdoor sound system with weather – proof speakers and lighting to accentuate the plants and architectural features at night.

All these elements were woven into our design, and planned before we started the back – breaking hard work.

Even if you are considering minor changes to your garden, it is important to consider various important elements before you start work.
For example:
What are the conditions required by the plants?
What is the aspect of the garden within its location- is it in full sun or shade or both?
Will the plants survive in full sun or shade or both?
What is the soil like?
Are the plants tender or hardy?
Will the garden require a lot of maintenance or will it be easy to look after?
Will there be a water feature, a wildlife pond, statuary or other features?
Will it be a place to sit down and relax in?
Is the area overlooked or is it completely private?
Is it in a quiet location or next to a busy road?
Do you want to attract birds and other wildlife into the garden?
Will you use pots or containers?

The list of factors to consider is endless.

Perhaps the most significant aspect to consider is the size and location of your garden. Ours measures 20 feet by 18 feet, and it is located on two different levels.The majority of plants are growing in pots.

We wanted the garden to have its own areas of ‘mystery’, so that we were forced to take a journey of exploration around it each time we stepped out into the garden.
It is now impossible to see the entire garden all at once.
Some areas are hidden or are screened by plants, foliage or other features, and this adds to the sense of drama and intrigue.

It is situated three miles from Bristol city centre, and lies on a North – south axis.
The garden is a typical Victorian courtyard, and it is not overlooked, but is surrounded by other properties.

We drew a plan of the garden to show the various ‘domains’ or ‘rooms’ and the features that we wished to create in our small space.

Here is our plan of our garden with its various features:

KEY TO THE FEATURES:
1) Roman style doorway to the upper garden.
2) Italianate fences with the Bust of Brutus.
3) Raised wall with topiary box and other architectural features.
4) The exotic garden.A tribute to the late Christopher Lloyd.
5) Lifesize classical statue near the pond. A copy from the Villa Borghese.
6) Steps down to the lower gardens and the Pergola archway.
7) The wildlife pond with water cascades, a ferny grotto and stumpery.
8) The rocky outcrop and tree stumpery.
9) The Italian garden with the temple folly ruin based on a doorway from the ruins of Pompeii in Italy.
10) The woodland garden in the rocky outcrop and the Hosta & fern lined pathway.
11) The Southern Hemisphere garden.

In the last four years we have continued to develop and enhance the garden, and the work is ongoing.
Gardens are always changing and evolving, and that is what makes gardening such a creative, exciting and rewarding experience.
We had no idea that when we first planned our new garden it would take us on a very special journey over the next few years. Originally we wanted to create our own private space to relax in and enjoy our retirement, but it seems that we were about to embark on something very different!
As soon as we had finished all the hard landscaping and the back- breaking work, we were invited to open the garden to the public as part of The National Gardens Scheme.
This was the start of something very special….

MEDIA FEATURES:

The garden has been featured on television and in numerous publications over the last four years including:

The Daily Mail- Finalist National Gardens Competition, 2006.
The Daily Mail weekend magazine. Saturday June 17th 2006.
Featured at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in the Daily Mail Pavilion. Summer 2006.
B.B.C television- feature about our garden on ‘Gardeners World’
Televised Friday September 8th 2006.
B.B.C Radio Bristol- Hour long programme about the garden.
June 18th 2006.
B.B.C ‘Gardeners World’ magazine July 2007.
‘Amateur gardening’ magazine July 28th 2007.
B.B.C ‘Easy Gardening’ magazine July 2006.
The Independent newspaper: ‘Key to the gate of England’s secret gardens’ 9th February 2007.
The Independent newspaper:’The secret gardens’ 4th March 2007.
The N.G.S ‘Yellow book’ 2007.
Whole page feature:’Small is beautiful’.
‘Somerset life’ magazine: ‘Pocket sized perfection’. July 2007.
‘The Bristol magazine’: ‘A grand garden in miniature’
August 2007,
B.B.C ‘Homes and antiques’ magazine: ‘Small is beautiful’ June 2008.
B.B.C television Points West Friday 18th July 2008
(Covering the visit of The Lord Mayor & Lady Mayoress of Bristol.)
B.B.C Radio Bristol. Friday 18th July 2008.
The Mail on Sunday newspaper: ‘A minor miracle’
September 14th 2008.
—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-
We are delighted that this media coverage has helped with our efforts to put small, inner-city gardens on the map.
In addition, it has also helped to bring positive publicity to our lovely city of Bristol.

We were delighted and honoured to welcome The Lord Mayor of Bristol – Councillor Christopher Davies, and The Lady Mayoress Mrs.Susan Davies on their visit to the garden on
Friday 18th July 2008.

For more information and to see the story of our garden please visit our website at:
www.victorianhousegarden.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

Grenville and Alan.
Bristol.U.K
5th October, 2008.

Comments

Terratoonie

5 Oct, 2008

Grenville and Alan ~
This is a useful and interesting blog.

Were you forced to adapt your ideal design because of influences from neighbouring gardens?
If so, what were these factors from outside your own boundaries?

e.g. a neighbour's tree which would presumably grow tall and produce more shade over the years.

I'm hoping over the winter you'll find some of your really old photos of your grandmother and family at your home many years back, and write a blog about that.

Thanks. :o)

Jacque

5 Oct, 2008

Hi Grenville/Alan i plan on moveing some of my Planting around this autunm/Winter as iv More/Fresh ideas for Nex yrs Display, Thanx for this Blog Guys its a great help :)XXX

Grenville

5 Oct, 2008

Hi T.T
You have raised a very interesting point about trees in neigbours gardens and the surrounding aspects that govern a garden design such as ours.
We can see a beautiful flowering cherry tree in our neighbours garden, and it has now become part of the 'borrowed ladscape'.It adds height and forms a screen between our house and the house next door.We are surounded by Victorian houses, and it's a very built - up area, but because our garden is to the rear of our end of terrace house, we only have a garden on one side, then a side road and pavement on the other side.
The garden is also much lower than the road, so it's very secluded,private and extremely quiet considering we are close to the main commuter route to Bristol city centre.
Fortunately there is not a lot of loud traffic that passes the garden as it is a side road.
It really is a 'secret' garden.
When visitors come to see it they are all amazed at how quiet the area really is.
All best wishes,
Grenville.

Bonkersbon

5 Oct, 2008

This really very clever as by changing levels and perspectives this creates the extra feeling of space in an area not much bigger than some indoor rooms.

Quite amazing to think my pond is 22 x 16 and you have accomplished so much in an equivalent size area.Erm the similarity ends there I can assure you.Any consolation I can fully appreciate how much rubble etc can be removed from what at first seems such a small area.Not such a secret now you gaining all these deserved plaudits and attention!

Terratoonie

5 Oct, 2008

Hello Grenville ~
Thanks. That makes sense.
I can understand the various factors which result in your garden being very secluded and secret.

Yes, borrowed landscape is a major factor in many gardens.
The flowering cherry sounds like a real bonus.

When you removed such vast amounts of soil and waste, did you dig up any souvenirs from past decades ?

Was it a bit like Time Team?
Hey, that's another TT
Lol.:o)

Andrewr

5 Oct, 2008

Grenville,
While not on the scale of your makeover, I started with a blank canvas when I took on my garden 24 years ago. For the first few months, I did nothing but cut the grass and remove weeds. I was waiting to see what I had got in terms of existing plants (not a lot!), soil (reasonable and slightly acid) and micro-climates. Then I drew up a master plan of where the borders were going to be and, bit by bit, set about making it. Now I'm replanting areas that have either become over-mature or just aren't up to scratch.

I'm with you on the planning front - research what you've got, what space you've got, what conditions you've got and then find the plants for it. I'm not a designer, just a plantaholic :-)

Grenville

5 Oct, 2008

Hi T.T,
It's strange that you should ask if I found any 'treasures' while working on the garden revamp four years ago....this experience is absolutely true, and we have related it to so many of our friends...... It was literally the first few days of my retirement from teaching in 2004, and Alan and myself were working on the garden. We were digging and shovelling like mad. It was really hard work as we decided to clear the entire garden that we had created around 1976 after Grandma left the house to me when she died.I was using a pick axe to lever up the old concrete paving slabs, and after I had lifted several I found my grandmas gold wedding ring that I had lost when we first worked on the garden back in the 1970s.
I used to wear the ring every day. It was totally undamaged,and was still bright and glinting and lying on a bed of sand underneath one of the slabs.
I picked it up rushed indoors and burst out crying!

It was probably the most surreal and unusual experience I have had in my whole life.

Since then, a friend who believes in a life beyond the present, claims that this was a sign that the garden was to become something special, and indeed it has.
It's amazing all the publicity and interest that it has received.

I like to think that Grandma approves of what we have achieved with our garden as I was very fond of her.

Finding the gold ring that I had lost in the garden many years ago is something I will never forget.
I keep the ring safely indoors now , and only wear it on special ocasions as I don't want to loose it again.

Sadie

5 Oct, 2008

I have just logged on before going to bed and your account of finding your Grandmother's ring has bought a tear to me eyes. Thank you for yet another interesting blog.

Grenville

5 Oct, 2008

Hope it didn't make you feel too upset Sadie, and thanks for your kind comment.
All best wishes,
Grenville.

Nariz

6 Oct, 2008

What a wonderful achievement ... and in such a small space! When I looked at your blogs and photos I found myself thinking "how lucky to have all that space to create such lovely different areas." How wrong I was! Just shows what can be done with forward planning instead of my "bull in a china shop" approach. Congratulations on all your achievements and I hope you go on to acquire many more.

Sandra

6 Oct, 2008

your gran would be proud of what you both have achieved.
nice blog and photos.
as ever

Terratoonie

6 Oct, 2008

Wow, Grenville ~
When I asked if you'd dug up any 'Time Team Treasures', I had imagined maybe a few pieces of pottery.

What an amazing story ! The reappearance of Grandma's golden ring, during the actual creation of your new design - that was a sure sign - a definite endorsement - Grandma's approval of your special, secret garden in the making.

I wonder if you've ever considered incorporating into your garden a small golden ring shape - either of flowers, or maybe a more permanent gold circle design - as a memory of your 'ring rescue' experience and its interwoven significance in the success of your scheme.

Over to you guys. With your innovative ideas !

And thanks for sharing the memories. Grandma is watching over you and Alan, every step of the way. :o)

Marguerite

6 Oct, 2008

Phew Grenville, the mind boggles. You sure went into it whole heartedly and with careful planning and adapting. No wonder it became a famous garden. Your pics are beautiful and I bet you I could wonder through it for hours, there is so much in there, so much to see and do. Congrats to you both for achieving the impossible.

Clarice

6 Oct, 2008

I also think your gran would be so proud of what you have done to the garden, well done to you both.

David

6 Oct, 2008

This is a marvellous record of your wonderful achievements with your garden. Thank you very much for sharing this with us.

Terratoonie

6 Oct, 2008

I like the words you added to the blog heading .....
about the wonderful surprises ~
excellent :o)

Spritzhenry

7 Oct, 2008

Although you'd told me all about the beginning of the garden etc, it is still lovely to read about it. Thanks Grenville. P.S. I didn't know about the ring - how wonderful!

Sarraceniac

9 Oct, 2008

This is superbly interesting Grenville. I have about 4 times your space in what are currently 4 'rooms' or more precisely areas. Until 3 years ago when I retired I had no time for gardening and used to pay a 'jobbing' gardener to do a few hours a week cutting lawns and hedges and a bit of weeding. He pulled as many plants out as weeds but at that time it didn't matter, I knew that after retirement I would be revamping the whole thing (except Boss lady's area which she has worked on herself for some years).

As I said I have 4 times your area but was getting worried that I would not have enough ground to do what I want. I even thought of offering to take over part of the next door neighbour's garden as she is an elderly (and not well off) widow who specializes in dandelions and dock, especially as they do find their way to me.

Seeing your garden in detail has set the 'little grey cells' going again though. So, although our tastes are different for our own personal gardens, I shall certainly have the old design software dusted off over the next few weeks and I shall pinch a few of your ideas.

One thing I like about gardens and gardeners is that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, even if you do adapt to your own taste. If you don't adapt then imitation is just a waste of time -LoL.

Pepperpot

10 Oct, 2008

Hi Grenville and Alan,
I just read your blog, on how you redone your garden, i read it out loud to my husband, trying to motivate him,
I was reading out your plan to him, but i for got to read out the size of your garden, when i did, My husband (clive) ,ask if i got the size right, when i said i had he couldn't believe how much you got in your garden, i ask him to show me how big it was in our garden, it was the size of our bottom decking and patio, WILL now I'm shocked how much you have put in to your lovely garden,
We are in are late 40s, I love gardening he love setting in
it LOL, And three boys like playing rugby in it with there mates. What chance have i got?, we just got straight borders with a big patch of grass, the garden is 100ft by 30ft, just think what can be done with it, Any way i'm hoping your story my have helped him think about doing
a little more,.Will i can dream, thanks for writing your blogs, they are also a good read.Many Thanks xx

Terratoonie

10 Oct, 2008

Pepperpot ~
That must have been really funny wondering whether the garden size was right. There's such a lot of good planting packed in to a small space isn't there ! :o)

Pepperpot

11 Oct, 2008

It is just the sort of garden i can only dream of, With 4 rugby mad adult men in my house, even when we have friends for a drink out comes the rugby ball, but the garden
is big and we do have alot of partys with alot of my sons
rugby friends, but being the only woman in the house, you know what they say about (it you can't beat them,) so
now i join them lol xx