A Garden for a Tortoise in Bramhall
The main priorities for a garden for a tortoise in Bramhall were to 1) make the most of the limited sun (it is a north facing garden), 2) provide some interesting views from the various windows, 3) create a usable area of the garden for the tortoises.
The plot iself was an awkward L-shape, relatively narrow on eithe side, as the house had recently been extended and the depth of the garden reduced. It is sourrounded on both long boundaries by tall hedging and trees, further limiting the level of sun. Several design challenges in one garden!
As the garden is slightly disjointed, being split into two distinct areas, we used timber slatted screening to create cohesion, using it to hide some ugly hedging as well as create the backdrop to the main planting beds.
Where the two lengths of the garden meet in the corner of the garden we created the main dining area, which is also the sunniest spot. Sitting here you can enjoy a view down both 'legs' of the garden. A raised brick built planting bed with intergated timber seat, wraps around two sides of the raised timber deck.
After extending our house we were left with an awkwardly shaped garden and as it was north facing, mainly shady too. The new garden that Louise has created is a real surprise and a delight to use, helping to make the space look much larger and making the most of the sunny spots.
Mr & Mrs Fraser, Bramhall
A Raised Water feature
A number of design features provide points of interest viewed from the main windows. Three tall plant pots stand in a row, planted with clipped box balls against a backdrop of the timber slatted screening. From another window the water feature can be seen; a steel rill that extends from the raised planting bed. The water tumbles into a splash pool, creating a soothing sound as well as visual interest.
The tortoises need both shade and sunny areas. We left a large gap between the raised planter and timber screen, to create space for a tortoise enclosure. The walls of the raised bed provide the required shade and the enclosure was then extended further out at one end so they can enjoy a spot in the sun. And to make sure that they are totally happy tortoises, we built another raised bed, in which to specifically grow their favourite food, lettuce.