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18 January 2022
Antique Honey Cathedral Limestone: A Country Garden Makeover
Dreaming of a captivating country garden bathed in golden hues and breathtaking views? Look no further than Sarah Fletcher Gardens' stunning makeover featuring our Antique Honey Cathedral Limestone. Sarah has kindly shared her journey of designing one of her beautiful gardens. This blog explores Sarah's design journey, showcasing how she skillfully transformed a space to embrace its rural charm, maximize panoramic views, and cater to a variety of needs.
Brief
To design a space that embraces the property’s rural heritage and maximises far-reaching views of the Mendip Hills. Being located over two levels, it was important that the garden was unified and had a sense of flow from entry-level to the rest of the garden. My client’s wish list: large sheltered dining terrace, potager garden with potting shed, lawn space for kids and dog, additional shed for storage, smarter entrance area, step lighting, bin store and oil tank screening, planting that was full, informal and wildlife-friendly.
Country Garden Design
The large upper terrace was transformed with new paving creating a wonderful dining area to enjoy the setting sun and far-reaching views. Wide steps accommodate level changes and low hedging marks the boundary between the house and wider garden. It was crucial when choosing new materials, to complement those found in the barns and neighbouring buildings. We opted for Antique Honey Cathedral Limestone paving from Westminster Stone - a durable and timeless stone that created a mellow, neutral foreground for the ubiquitous old stone walls on site. The stone walls were softened with planting and the warmth of the paving was echoed by using terracotta pots planted with evergreens, and perennials with accents of pale apricot roses.
The terrace was extended to replace an old deck and the steps reoriented towards an old gnarled Lilac tree which became a focal point. A smart new potting shed surrounded by oak sleeper beds creates a beautiful but practical space to grow pretty edibles, cut flowers, and espaliered fruit. A chair under the old Lilac tree provides a place to rest whilst pottering.
The entrance to the property was smartened up with new paving and walls softened with simple planting in a huge Corten steel trough and in gravel. Existing old curved steps were emphasised by topiary and lighting as an obvious route to the front door. In the evening the old steps are transformed as light floods down them like a waterfall.
A new lawn was given a strong circular shape echoing the curved steps and a curved path links the kitchen garden to the lower terrace. Mown paths lead to a sculpture and to a new shed for storage. Borders are sweeping and full–billowing with roses, perennials and grasses spilling over the edges. I used naturalistic crab apple trees, roses and other shrubs on the boundaries and the sweep of perennial meadow turf at the bottom boundary opens up and blurs the transition from garden to the fields and hills beyond. A borrowed landscape.
The Antique Honey Cathedral Limestone from Westminster Stone plays a starring role, adding a timeless elegance and warmth that seamlessly blends with the existing landscape. Imagine entertaining loved ones on a spacious terrace, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking vistas. Are you ready to breathe life into your own country garden? Explore how Westminster Stone's Antique Honey Cathedral Limestone or other natural stone options can elevate your outdoor space. Perfect for creating a lasting impression. Let's turn your dream country garden into a reality!
Shop the Look
Antique Honey Cathedral Paving adds a warm golden glow to outdoor landscapes. The natural textured finish and mottled golden hue is distinct to this beautiful limestone paving which is hand-cut and tumbled for an elegant finish. The traditional character and charm of antique honey paving stones complements both contemporary and historical settings alike.
About Sarah Fletcher Gardens
Sarah Fletcher is a garden designer based in North Somerset, working across the South West. She is inspired by the beauty in nature and shares her passion for it in her work, enriching the lives of her clients by designing beautiful, inspirational yet functional spaces.
Sarah offers a range of services from full garden designs, planting designs, plant sourcing, maintenance schedules, advice and consultancy as well as public speaking and tuition.
Contact
Contact Sarah Fletcher Gardens via her website, or follow her on Instagram.
About the Author
Sian McHugh
'Sian has been working with us at Westminster Stone for over 5 years and has developed expertise in garden design and landscaping. Her passion for nature extends to tending her own garden, teaching yoga and hiking during her free time.'
