A historic, listed property overlooking the Alde estuary.  We were commissioned to design a pool garden which, while providing screening from adjacent commercial units, did not compromise sunlight. Impactful, but low-maintenance planting and an ‘Italian feel’ were also elements of the brief.

Inspired by the landscape of the Alde estuary, an embankment screens the pool from the neighbouring plant nursery.  Replicating local flood defences, it is planted with clusters of small, native trees and shrubs.  Larger trees (Populus tremula) are positioned to conceal neighbouring properties. 

Pools are often brutalised by too much paving, and the design avoided this by enveloping the whole area in large plantations of ornamental grasses echoing the vast expanses of reeds beyond.

In the immediate vicinity of the pool, these are blended with a matrix of low-maintenance summer-flowering perennials.  A Mediterranean touch is added by sculpted fastigiate yew.

A dining area has been created adjacent to the pool house, supplemented by a south-facing lounging zone screened from the tennis court by a formal evergreen hedge.  A half-moon lawn provides a relaxed area in dappled shade for rugs, cushions and a fire pit. 

We have also created a dining terrace in the courtyard area and formalised the entrance forecourt.  An orchard/meadow has been planted between the property’s period façade and tennis courts.