47 Denmans Lane - Garden Construction Projects

Retaining Walls

We moved to Denmans lane in 1995. At that time the garden sloped steeply down to the east towards the allotments, making the depth of the garden very shallow. So in 1997 we decided build a retaining wall at the rear using hessian sandbage filled with dry concrete mix which were then watered to make it set. We then reprofiled the ground levels to provide a greater depth to the garden. All this work was done by hand.

In 2009 we used the same technique to build up the ground level beyond the herb garden - see photos below.

Circular Pond and Yew Hedge

In 2010 we built a new formal pond surrounded by a yew hedge. The idea was to create a tranquil area to divide the busy and colurful upper garden from the lower meadow, fruit and vegetable garden. The design invites the viewer to speculate what lies beyondand captures "borrowed" views to Ashdown Forest. Black die is added to the pond each year to enhance the reflections of the sky and trees viwed from the terrace - floating stainless steel balls move in the breeze to create interest.

Wildlife Pond

In 2011 we built a wildlife pond in the front garden. There are no fish to allow newts and dragon flies to prosper. Birds love to gather in the bamboo at the rear and take it in turn to bathe in the waterfall.

Parterre Garden

In 2014 we built a parterre garden on the east side of the house.

More photographs of each area of the garden may be found by clicking the links below: