GARDENS& LANDSCAPES

INTERVIEW WITH GARDEN DESIGNER – Matt Keightley

THE DESIGNER’S GUIDE TO CREATING THE PERFECT GARDENFebruary edition 2017

MONTHLY www.leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk

ENTICING BIRDS INTO YOUR GARDEN

VALENTINE’S FLOWERSTOP PICKS

WIN£100 worth of garden centre

vouchers

OUR WORK NAMED FINALIST FOR BEST Dementia Garden 2016

MAKING THE MOST OF GARDEN SPACE AND LIGHT

Dear Readers,

I love February. The winter is receding and Cupid is searching for people to fill with love. It’s also my chance to look back on January, feel pleased it’s passed, and really look forward to what is in front of me. We’ve been extremely busy here at Leicestershire Garden Design recruiting new team members and developing our offices to prepare for our mid spring launch day. For this month we’ve asked our friends at Designer Daisies to tell us all about the perfect Valentine’s bouquet, we’ve interviewed the brilliant Matt Keightley, featured Mr & Mrs Turnbull’s garden, and shared some great news about a project we built for Vista that was nominated for Dementia Garden of the Year. That’s as well as all the great competitions and top tips from our team. Have a great month, see you in March.

Regards

Barry Randall

Editor’s Letter Contents

ON THE COVER

7. The view from our window

LEARN

4. Thoughts of our Garden Designer

6. Did you know?

8. Thank you for the recommendation

BE INSPIRED

3. The Turnbull garden

5. Interview with Matt Keightley

7. Our work named finalist for Best Dementia Care 2016

PLAY

6. Word Search

8. Spot the Difference Competition

LAUGH

2. Editor’s Letter

6. Menphys Curry Night

AND THE REST...

4. Valentine’s Day flower top picks

8. Events

8. Coming up in the next edition

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2. GARDENS & LANDSCAPES

The view from our window

Interview with Matt Keightley

Valentine’s flowers top picks

The Turnbull garden

Finalist for Best Dementia Garden

Finalist for Best Dementia Garden

The challengeThe owners of this modern detached property in Market Harborough, Leicestershire wanted a complete redesign of their sloping garden.

One of their main priorities was to make it easily accessible and this meant creating separate, flat tiers with gentle steps linking the two levels. Our clients were also looking to spend more time in their garden and wanted an attractive and comfortable entertainment area with plenty of room for seating and tables.

The conceptFirst, we constructed a new hardwood raised decking platform next to the house. We positioned the platform just under the level of the door to eliminate the step down. The platform was built on pressure-treated timbers and fixed together with SPAX timber lock fixing screws. Under this we used geotextile weed membrane to prevent growth from beneath the decking.

Grey multi sandstone paving flows from both sides of the decking, leading down into the garden and around to the back gate. We installed a new square patio, slightly raised from the lawn, to create space for entertaining and relaxing in the garden.

The paving was bordered with grey pennant setts to highlight the patio and give it a defined finish. We grouted all the paving with an eco-fill grouting compound to stop weeds growing between the joints of the stones. The paving was laid onto full mortar beds to give strength and prevent future movement.

To retain and give access to all levels of the garden, we built new walling and low steps. The walling was supported with a concrete footing, approximately 230mm deep across the main walling and 150mm deep across the steps. All walls were lined with a damp-proof membrane to prevent water sitting along the back.

In order to shape the flowerbeds and provide an easy maintenance edge to the lawn, we laid block edging around the garden. The new flowerbeds and lawn were filled with top soil. The new lawn was then levelled and compacted, to prevent settlement of the grass area.

Our planting scheme in the flowerbeds located around the garden was devised to bring height, scent, colour and all-year-round interest to the landscape. Grasses, low-growing shrubs and cordylines were introduced to give varying shapes and textures to the design.

In our lighting plan, we included bollards with cool white LEDs to give subtle illumination along the back fence, seating areas and around the boundary of the garden.

Finally, a glass balustrade was installed across the front of the decking to create a safety barrier that also gives an open feel and lets in the light.

THE TURNBULL GARDEN

GARDENS & LANDSCAPES 3.

Raised sun deck with glass balustrade

Marshalls sandstone patio area

3D Design

Making the most of garden space and light

The conclusionThis contemporary garden design has made maximum use of natural light and space so the garden can be enjoyed for the longest periods of time each day by its owners. Then, when the sun goes down, the LED lighting we incorporated means our clients can stay outdoors late into the evening - and the finished garden looks amazing by day and night.

Accessibility was a key factor in this plan, and our clients (and their dogs) are extremely happy that they can now safely enjoy every corner of their outdoor space.

Before

Location: Market Harborough

How long did it take?10 days

When was it built?May / June 2016

Want to know how to add the WOW factor? Call us now on 0116 214 7076

As you know, we’re passionate about creating beautiful spaces for our customers to enjoy year after year. We are also passionate about wildlife and doing our part to make sure that we consider habitats when landscaping. That’s why this year we have chosen the RSPB wildlife charity as one of the charities for which we hope to raise £5,000. If you would like to help us raise this money please donate via our JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/LGD-RSPB.

A lot of our customers request plants and features to attract birds to their gardens as they are passionate about looking after our beautiful wildlife. Leicestershire Garden Design are proud supporters of the RSPB charity whose mission is to protect the UK’s vulnerable wildlife. The RSPB provide great resources to advise you on helping your garden wildlife. They also sell a range of bird feeders and nest boxes which are specially designed to be safe for birds to use.

If you would like to attract birds into your garden why don’t you incorporate a yew tree, holly tree or fruit trees into your garden design? These trees provide song perches, nesting sites and safe retreats for birds. If you already have a sizeable tree in your garden, why not attach a RSPB nest box? They also sell nest box cameras, making it possible for you to get an amazing up-close insight into the birds’ behaviour.

I’m dedicated to creating beautiful outdoor spaces & looking after our wildlife,

Jeff Randall

Thoughts of ourGARDEN DESIGNER

4. GARDENS & LANDSCAPES

February 14th – Valentine’s Day! This is the day to show your other half how much they mean to you – and flowers are the traditional way. Don’t forget them!

Giving flowers to your loved one on Valentine’s Day comes from an old tradition of sending flower bouquets to pass messages secretly. The idea began in the 18th century when Charles II was on the Swedish throne. Each flower had a meaning attached to it so it was possible to have a conversation using only flowers.

The rose, signifying romantic love, is the traditional Valentine’s Day flower but, of course, people also send other flowers on special occasions and to show the love and admiration they feel for important people in their lives.

Our floristry friends at Designer Daisies in Syston have some great advice about which flowers your loved one will adore and floristry trends to look out for in 2017.

The natural, rustic and cottage garden style is still very popular, whether it’s a bouquet for a special occasion or lots of flowers for a wedding. As part of this, foliage is bang on trend for 2017, particularly an abundance of eucalyptus. We increasingly have requests for ‘foliage only’ bouquets and bunches for

the home and for photo shoots. With its subtle green-grey-blue colouring and great scent, it’s a run-away winner.

For Valentine’s Day, you can’t beat the traditional and romantic 6, 12 or 24 red roses, brought right up-to-date when they are teamed with eucalyptus. We present them either in a vase or hand-tied in an aqua-coloured box - making it so much easier for transporting to your loved one or hiding in the garage for Valentine’s morning! There are a few men who stray away from the norm and choose a large cymbidium orchid arranged with foliage and wrapped in brown paper. Classic and beautiful!

Our highly trained florists are here to help and to arrange the perfect bouquet. We see many gents in the shop around this time, all wanting to romance and impress their lady. With around 250-300 red roses, and other roses and flowers to be arranged, it’s a very busy time for us!

Valentine’s Day flowers TOP PICKS

Beautiful bouquet of roses

Classic large flower bouquet

1213 Melton Road, Syston0116 367 7262

www.designerdaisies.co.uk

Interview with Garden Designer Matt Keightley

GARDENS & LANDSCAPES 5.

1. What is your profession / background? My career officially started when I was 17, when I designed and built my first garden (for my parents). I was self-employed for several years before I went to university to study landscape design. My first show garden was at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2014. I now co-own Rosebank Landscaping (www.rosebanklandscaping.co.uk ) with my business partner and close friend Cam.

2. At what age did you first become interested in garden design? I was one of five boys and we were always playing outside – tearing round the garden or climbing trees in the local park. I think my love for the outdoors and my early experiences with nature have subconsciously played a part in my chosen career path.

3. Which garden are you most proud of?I’m generally proud of all the work I’ve done, but I’m constantly learning and aspiring to improve. The garden I’m currently most proud of is the Help for Heroes recovery centre garden. Knowing it will help improve the lives of those who have served our country is both humbling and hugely satisfying.

4. What’s the most bizarre design request you’ve had from a client?‘I would like a peacock and a flock of rare breed sheep in my garden.’ A genuine

request from a client with a 17-acre estate that led to me negotiating with a shepherd from Scotland!

5. What features would you include in a garden design to make it usable all year round? Outdoor fireplaces are great for adding atmosphere, character and heat and help encourage people into the garden on even the coldest of winter evenings. Pergolas are a great way to provide shelter from the sun or rain.

6. What advice would you give aspiring garden designers?Do your best to offer a USP (unique selling point) to set you apart from the competition. One of my strengths is hand-drawn presentations which help create an extremely personal experience for our clients.

7. What do you love most about your own garden?Playing in it with my family. It’s a very sociable space with plenty of seating, so we just enjoy using it as often as we can.

8. Which gardens would you recommend visiting this year?Wisley and Highgrove are great high profile gardens to visit all year round. Also look out for gardens open through the National Gardens Scheme as you can find some real gems just round the corner.

9. If you could give the readers one tip to help with garden design what would it be?Carry a sketch book wherever you go. Inspiration is all around us and it helps to keep a visual record of details that could influence a scheme, or ideas that suddenly come to you.

Beautiful garden design by Matt Keightley

Stunning outdoor living area

Beautiful contemporary design

Where the creativity begins

Matt Keightley

Hydrangea

Orchids

Succulents

Sunflowers

Freesias

WORD SEARCHCan you spot the 10 flowers to give on Valentine’s Day?

Roses

Tulips

Carnations

Lilies

Gerbera daisies

Submit your entry to:Leicestershire Garden Design Co.Unit 11, The Warren, East Goscote,Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 3XA or email editor@leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk by 16th March 2017

Your Name:

Address:

Email:

Phone Number:

Full terms and conditions can be found at www.leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk/terms-and-conditions-2017

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Did you know?

The Bird of Paradise is a ninth wedding anniversary flower. It symbolises faithfulness and celebrates distinctive and unique beauty.

- Gormetgiftbaskets.com

6. GARDENS & LANDSCAPES

Subscribe to Gardens & Landscapes Monthly today and receive your copy every month, delivered direct to your door.

www.menphys.org.uk Reg charity no. 270700

Chef & Spice, Hinckley Road, Leicester

6th March 20177.oopm to sit at 7.30pmAll you can eat £15 per person

Let’s help make March Menphys month

For more details or to book please contact Fundraising on 01455 323013 or email info@menphys.org.uk

THE VIEW from our window

SEND IN YOUR GARDEN PHOTOS by email to subscribe@leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk or write to us at Leicestershire Garden Design Co., Unit 11, The Warren, East Goscote, Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 3XA

GARDENS & LANDSCAPES 7.

We’re delighted to announce that a garden we built made it into the finals of the National Dementia Care Awards UK 2016.The Awards celebrate the best people in dementia care in this country. Our team were honoured to have been mentioned in this prestigious line-up of people and companies that have contributed in a variety of different ways to dementia care in Britain.

The New Wycliffe Care Home projectThe Vista New Wycliffe Home is a high-quality residential care home situated in Rushey Mead, just three miles from Leicester’s city centre. The home caters for older people with a sensory impairment and people living with dementia. Our team were asked to construct a

new garden for the home and to source suitable furniture for the use of residents.

The Dementia-Friendly Butterfly GardenWith sensory planting, new accessible pathways and a seating area, the new garden is somewhere residents can enjoy spending time.

We built three raised planters using smooth pressure-treated sleepers and filled these with top soil and compost in preparation for growing fruit and vegetables. We also used pressure-treated timber to construct a pergola alongside the pathway that adds further dimension to the garden and can be used to support climbing plants.

Finally, surrounding the garden is a new round-top picket fence and secure gate. This is to protect residents, so they are able to walk freely and feel safe in the garden.

The official opening ceremonyThe Dementia-Friendly Butterfly Garden was officially opened on 2nd June 2016, when staff, residents, and family and friends were able to enjoy the new dementia-friendly space.

Our team has been thrilled at the response to the garden and even more delighted

Leicestershire Garden Design work named finalist for Best Dementia Garden 2016

to have been nominated for the Best Dementia Garden Award. It’s been a rewarding experience for all of us!

“I am so pleased to send you this certificate for making it to the finals in the National Dementia Awards UK, for the Best National Dementia Garden. This is huge, as it’s a very tough competition against projects across the country.

I just had to say a BIG THANK YOU for all your support in helping Vista and the New Wycliffe Care Home make this happen!”

Jaspreet Kaur, Trusts, Grants & Major Giving Manager, Vista

GET IN TOUCH

Email us at editor@leicestershiregardendesign.co.ukWrite to us at Leicestershire Garden Design Co. Unit 11,The Warren, East Goscote, Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 3XA Call us on 0116 2147 076

Up and comingFEB/MARCH EVENTS

COMING UP IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF...

GARDENS& LANDSCAPES

• Mother’s Day gift ideas• The Marshalls Awards• A beautiful curvy garden

SPOT THEDIFFERENCE

Thank youFOR RECOMMENDING US!

How the Earth came alive - free lecture in celebration of Darwin Day13th February 1-2pmNew Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester

British Pie Awards 8th MarchMelton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1XA. Our annual event sees hundreds of pie-makers gather for a celebration and competition of this British culinary favourite.

Lutterworth Museum Spring Craft Fair11th MarchLutterworth Museum, Wycliffe House One Stop Shop, Gilmorton Road Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 4DY

Submit your entry to:Leicestershire Garden Design Co.Unit 11, The Warren, East Goscote,Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 3XA or email editor@leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk by 16th March 2017

Full terms and conditions can be found at www.leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk/terms-and-conditions-2017

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8. GARDENS & LANDSCAPES

Can you spot the differences between our two garden designs? Circle each difference for your chance

to win £50 worth of cinema vouchers!

Top TipTulips last longer in a vase with water than most other flowers, so if you want a bouquet that will make it past February 15 then tulips are your best bet.

Many thanks to our customers Mr & Mrs Cridland from Houghton on the Hill, Leicestershire who recommended their friends in Oadby to contact us regarding their back garden landscaping requirements. The Mogra family now have a fantastic garden with space to entertain and enjoy.

3D Design

After