Ruth Thomas Garden Design
Traditional Country Estate with a Modern Twist
The inspiration for this estate came from the classic landscapes of Capabitliy Brown. The property already had formal gardens surrounding the house and a wooded island in the middle of a river. However, the rest of the grounds lacked cohesion, with a blend of ideas from various periods in history.
To address this challenge, the design sought to establish a connection between the listed formal gardens and the grounds beyond, retaining the property's traditional charm while introducing a modern twist. The result was a cohesive landscape, where the past coexisted with contemporary elements, creating grounds that suited the manor house.
I connected the two formal lawns, the upper and lower, by introducing a rill that runs through the upper lawn. The water cascades through the Cotswolds dry stone wall and flows into a pond positioned in the border of the lower lawn.
As part of the renovation, the planting surrounding both lawns was updated, and the borders were expanded to create deep and overflowing borders. This transformation enhanced the overall feel of the space.
At the request of the clients, a Zen garden was conceived as one of the garden rooms. Embodying the principles of traditional Japanese Zen gardens, the space was designed using locally sourced materials, such as Cotswolds stone gravel, to give it a sense of place in the landscape. The bridge, crafted from oak wood, traversed a reflective pool, creating a meditative path that encouraged a slower pace through the garden.
To honour the native surroundings, the plant selection primarily comprised of native species such as ferns and yew hedges. The careful selection of these local species further enhanced the garden's calming ambiance. As visitors journeyed along the zig-zag bridge, they were guided to a sheltered seat at the back of the garden, providing a tranquil spot for contemplation and relaxation.
Within the estate lies a garden predominantly utilised for local charity events and garden parties. To create a focal point, and a refuge from the whims of English weather, a bandstand was positioned at the heart of the garden. Accessible paths circle the bandstand, while Victorian street lamps not only provide lighting but also serve as spots to hang bunting and other decorations during the summer months.
Surrounded by mature trees, this garden space is carefully isolated from the rest of the estate, providing a sense of privacy and security for the clients. The interplay of nature and design makes this garden the perfect venue for gatherings, with an inviting atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.
The island on the estate, affectionately known as Fairy Island, presented a wonderful opportunity to infuse the garden with a sense of playfulness and whimsy. To achieve this the entrances and exits were crafted to evoke a feeling of adventure and exploration.
An arched doorway leads visitors to the magical woodland space on Fairy Island. This entrance entices guests to step through the door and onto a bridge that crosses the river, transporting them to a realm filled with hidden artwork native woodland plants.
Native species of trees line both sides of the path leading to the arched doorway. This selection created a sense of enclosure, guiding visitors through the door and into the heart of the woodland. The result is an experience that captures the imagination and leaves visitors with fond memories of their journey through Fairy Island.
