We were asked to establish a more formal interface between an existing sunken garden and orchard. We introduced an axis which passed through existing hedge openings. Our clients had been considering the installation of water for some time, and we devised a narrow, Arts & Crafts-inspired York Stone pool with brick detailing. Where the axis and elongated pool intersected, we placed a single jet of water. We added Yew obelisks to the established hedges for additional interest.

The axis links the sunken garden with the orchard. Fruit trees remain, with meadow grass and mown pathways. At the centre of the orchard, we introduced a mown rondel on the axis surrounded by a Yew hedge and frame of Lavender and Iris. The rondel’s cross-axis links it to the terrace above. To the left of the sunken garden, with introduced a companion rondel of Yew, which also served as the focal point for a new double border planted with silver-foliage shrubs and masses of Hydrangea. An inherited urn is a focal point.