An area of the large garden had been dissected by an established, well sculpted
but rather overbearing curved yew hedge. This made access to these parts of
the garden more cumbersome, making it feel rather cut off and shady.
The brief was to make a connection between these areas of the garden, without
making it feel too open and exposed.
Firstly, two symmetrical areas of hedge were removed.
Next, the creation of two large pergolas, each 15 feet wide, with a similar sized
area of hedge between them were constructed. They were perfectly in
proportion with the rest of their surroundings and the structures followed the
slight curve to blend in perfectly with the remaining greenery of the yew hedge.
Trellises were incorporated into the sides of each pergola to disguise the inside
of the hedge (although yew will usually regrow well) and were used to plant a
variety of evergreen and deciduous climbers including fragrant roses, clematis
and jasmines.
Opening up these areas made a significant increase to the light and sunshine
within.
A small border was created in front of the trellises and planted with bulbs for
every season, lavender and primulas. They were shaped to join seamlessly into
the existing mixed borders of the inside aspect of the hedge.
Finally, the ground beneath each pergola was grassed to join each lawned area
which draws you through to explore the garden which lies beyond. A perfect
floral and fragrant journey between each space.