When we purchased the property there was a bank running the length of the orchard alongside the hedge with our neighbour. This bank was about 40 metres in length, 4 metres wide and 1.5 metres high. It was made up of the remains of the farm buildings that had occupied the site and the soil excavated to allow the house to be built in 2003. As it made maintenance of the garden difficult and gave nothing in return we had it removed. It turned out to be 300 tonnes of soil, concrete and some metal and took 20 lorry loads to remove it which was done in only a day and a half. The digger driver was amazing and even replanted some of the apple trees that had been planted on the bank. Once the bank was removed we picked up the stones left on the surface, raked it over and grass seeded it then went away on holiday for a fortnight. On our return it was green! More photos...
Back Garden - Before
and After
The back garden was mainly grass and patio with shrubs dotted around the edge. Our original plans changed when we discovered there was virtually no topsoil just heavy clay. All the grass was removed. 35 tonnes of clay was dug out by hand and replaced with topsoil. Numerous trees, shrubs and perennials have been planted with many coming from our previous garden in the Cotswolds. A pond has been constructed, deep beds for the vegetables, a potting shed and greenhouse built, trellising added to hide the oil tank and paths laid using chippings, slabs and blocks salvaged from elsewhere in the property.
Before
and After
Entrance - Before
and After
The original entrance was very steep with poor visibility on leaving and giving no privacy at the front. The entrance was moved about 20m further down the road and the original entrance blocked up.Over 100 native hedging plants along with several native trees have been planted. Trees planted include bird cherry, rowan, alder and hawthorn.
Before
and After
Drive - Before
and After
The original entrance gave little privacy and visitors on foot had to walk up a steep drive. Now we have more privacy and an easier pedestrian access via a door to the side of the garage.
Sadly several mature apple trees had to be removed although some of the smaller ones were relocated to the orchard by a very skilled digger driver! Replacement trees have been planted in the orchard for some of the others.
