Design Ideas

The Formal Garden

The intent of the formal garden is, as it suggests, to create formality. Use Box (Buxus sempervirens) to create a myriad of patterns and shapes. Bay (Laurus nobilis) is a favourite plant for creating cones, balls or pom-poms, while Olive (Olea europea) in a central position will contrast with its softer lines.

Paths created with stone or slate will create sharp lines and a superb environment in which to enjoy some quieter moments.

Tropical Garden

Create a tropical garden with plants from around the world. King & Co import plants from twelve different countries in addition to their homegrown stock. A particular favourite is the Tree Fern (Dicksonia Antartica). Add Cordylines, Fatsia, Bamboos and Phormium and you have created instant impact, structure and form. Build a deck around the water feature and sit back and watch the lillies lapping up the sunshine.

The Italian Garden

Add the Italian look instantly with the Italian Cypress (Cupressus semervirens pyramidalis) or the Magnolia grandiflora. Both add height and structure to great effect.

Every self-respecting Italian garden must have clipped box balls in terracotta pots! But why not make it more interesting with spirals, cones and double pom-poms? For sheer style add a focal point to the garden perhaps a well placed statue, a bench or unusual tree such as a huge topiary Umbrella or a hardy palm (trachycarpos fortunei).

Think too of the final touches such as a shady arbour or gazebo. Stepping, pathways and water features are also distinctly Italianate - as is topiary.

The Native Garden

A native or natural garden would consist of trees and shrubs that occur naturally in the UK. These plants are described as of ‘British provenance’.

Trees such as oak, ash, field maple, rowan, silver birch and wild cherry would all be suitable. Shrubs such as hazel, dogwood, hawthorn, spindle and dogrose would be used for lower or under ’planting’. Evergreens, particularly holly and yew are useful for both wildlife habitat and year round.

The garden would be bordered by a native hedgerow planted in a double row and with a mixture of plants to provide winter interest, wildlife habitat, food for birds and autumn colour. With plenty of hawthorn included this will deter any intruders.

The grassed area would not be mown except for a 1m wide walkway. This would provide habitat for all sorts of flora and fauna, rich in biodiversity.

We will be happy to design your garden and supply the appropriate plants and trees.

The Wildlife Garden

A wildlife garden would be created to provide the required habitat for all the naturally occurring residents to move in. Plenty of cover using both evergreen and large weeping trees can be created. Prepare for lots of bird watching!

Certain plants and trees provide habitats for different residents. For instance, planting Buddleja will inevitably give rise to an influx of butterflies. Creating a small pond with marginal plants included will see the population of frogs, toads and newts flourish.

The odd heap of decaying logs is essential for a diverse population of invertebrates such as woodlice, snails and earthworms.

Using the correct selection of trees and shrubs is something we are happy to advise you on. We would be happy to design, supply and plant your garden for you.