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Apethorpe, Northamptonshire

This mature country garden needed a fresh approach to renew and enhance the existing borders. The space already had a strong sense of structure and unique character, but the planting was tired and had little year-round interest. The brief was to refresh the planting, introduce new borders, and create captivating views from the house.

A comprehensive masterplan was created, complete with detailed planting schemes and moodboards to guide the redesign. New planting was introduced in stages to ensure the garden evolved naturally and remained manageable for the client. At the front of the house, structural evergreens and winter interest now define the driveway, creating a stronger sense of arrival. The borders of the inner driveway have been widened and replanted to fulfil the clients longing for an elegant white garden.

PLANTING IN DETAIL

To the side and back of the house, a diseased Buxus parterre has been replaced with Taxus hedging and the tired shrubs removed and replaced with a rich palette of herbaceous plants.

A large lawn, now no longer needed as the client’s children have grown up, has been softened with new circular borders. They have been planted as ornamental meadows, bursting with grasses, species roses and countryside-inspired plants. The circles of planting add a playful element to the lawn while the plants themselves are a gentle nod towards the fields just beyond the walls of the garden.

WHAT DO MY CLIENTS SAY 

“We selected Nicola Oakey Design having researched most of the local designers’ websites and after a short telephone conversation with those we shortlisted. What made Nicola stand out for us was that she clearly understood what we were looking for and gave us confidence that she would be able to come up with the contemporary garden design we were looking for. Once we had agreed to proceed, Nicola then produced a detailed landscaping plan and planting scheme. All the way through the design and landscaping Nicola worked with us to ensure our garden was what we wanted (not easy during lockdown). Nicola offers very professional but personal service. She made the process enjoyable and easy to understand for gardening novices. Nothing was too much trouble and she quickly replied to our sometimes daft questions. She has also helped us devise a maintenance plan for the garden so we can keep on top of it. We would recommend Nicola highly, we are totally delighted with the garden she has created for us and everyone that has seen it has said it looks amazing. We are really looking forward to seeing it grow and develop.”

Liam & Helen – Baston, Lincolnshire

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