LEIGH-ON-SEA ESSEX COASTAL GARDEN
A GARDEN INSPIRED BY SEASIDE TEXTURES AND MATERIALS
Inspiration for this garden is drawn from the coastal context and this is reflected in the materials and planting. The design utilises reclaimed timber with a maritime history, and flint aggregate references the local pebble beach. It is a garden designed to engage with the processes that sustain it and the wildlife that will use it as a habitat.
SUSTAINED BY HARVESTED RAINWATER
Water is at the heart of the garden, with a moving stream emanating from a stone pool connected to the terrace. It winds through the space, providing sound and movement, and culminates in a wildlife pond. Rain is channelled from a downpipe into a rill through the terrace to top up the stream and pond, saving water which would otherwise go to waste. This serves to further connect the building to its immediate landscape.
The journey down the garden follows the stream, with a reclaimed timber bridge and jetty providing a space to sit and observe the pond. Beyond the jetty is a further destination, a place to retreat to in the evening to sit around the chiminea. Cocooned by native multi-stem trees, it evokes a woodland glade. Woodland planting and a stumpery provide a habitat for birds and many insects, including stag beetles.
A COLOURFUL COASTAL FRONT GARDEN SCHEME
The front garden is a more sparsely planted, drought-tolerant gravel garden. With plants adapted to cope with coastal conditions, it will be a haven for pollinators, as well as providing a restful scheme to admire from the seats on the verandah.
Tabitha and Helen did a wonderful job of taking our long list of desires and turning that into an inspirational design and realisable set of drawings. They took a lot of time to understand what we were looking for, communicating back and forth to make sure we were happy and that everything we asked for was included. The drawings they produced absolutely nailed the brief – beautifully and thoughtfully designed.