Period property gardens

[overlander matt]

Can anyone recommend a good gardening forum or websites that have a period property slant please?

Having done the majority of the internal work on our house, I've been turning attention to the garden. This summer's effort is a series of raised reclaimed brick beds which I must get on with before the weather turns. I would be interested to know how best to finish the inside of the beds - presumably lining with plastic will help to protect the bricks from weathering. Would be good to hear the experience of others.

The choice of paving is another dilemma. I can't really afford Yorkstone paths through the garden so what other options exist? The Indian sandstone always feels a bit modern although I have used it on a patio. I'm not sure I want to use it again. There's a block paving path lead running along the back of the house that I am keen to take up. Ideally I would have a hard paved path around the perimeter of this structure and maybe gravel inside.

Also looking for a centrepiece for the circle... Thanks.

 

[LadyArowana]

Brick paths in a contrasting colour? gravel can get a bit “weed ridden” from what I have seen in other gardens and driveways and also migrates. Centre area, bird bath, urn, classical maiden / modern sculpture, sundial Lots of options, auctions are always good for ideas or reclamation yards. New cast concrete tones down quite quickly too and is usually cheaper than marble.

 

[Cubist]

I concur with Lady A, gravels a PITA. How about topiary?

 

[overlander matt]

I tend to agree about the gravel problems having a gravel driveway... I have considered the self binding material used in footpaths around NT gardens but these have drawn backs too particularly in heavy rain. Nothing is simple.

Brick paving looks good and is pretty popular at present.

I like the idea of a sun dial. Just a matter of finding a nice one.

Thanks

 

[Itchinfilth]

The majority of these 'parterre' designs Ive seen have gravel on the floor. I've had it around mine at a previous house with a weed suppressing membrane underneath. It didn't do a great job to be fair however the weeds came out extremely easily when they started to show themselves. Nothing to add to Lady Arowana very good recommendations other than perhaps an armillary sphere on a stone column?

 

[overlander matt]

Thanks! I'm swayed more towards gravel in the internal pathways perhaps with cobble/sett edging and paving/bricks around the perimeter and for other paths in the garden. Weeds are the obvious downside but drainage is better. It's certainly the most economical and quickest option.

A armillary sphere or sundial is probably our preferred option for the centre piece.

 

[Flyfisher]

I'd say that fine gravel, perhaps the self-binding type, would be the period solution. However, the really authentic period solution for such formal gardens would also include a small team of full-time gardeners.

I once visited Highgrove out of interest to see how Prince Charles (as he then was) was managing the grounds, given his famously 'natural' inclinations. It was, of course, all very impressive and lovely but the take away lesson was that having an eight-strong team of permanent gardeners led by an award-winning head gardener was the real solution to formal garden maintenance

 

[overlander matt]

Thanks Flyfisher! I'm struggling with the budget for the 8-strong gardening team. I've had to let the other go.