Portfolio · Case study
Blarney country garden
A tired country plot reimagined into a relaxed, year-round garden the whole family enjoys.
- Location
- Blarney
- Type
- Country garden
- Scope
- Full design & planting
- Completed
- 2024
The brief
A big space with untapped potential
The owners had a generous country plot that had never quite come together — plenty of ground, but no real flow, structure or reason to spend time outside. They wanted somewhere relaxed and beautiful to enjoy with family, that worked hard through every season and suited a realistic budget.
We began with a consultation and a full site survey, getting to know how they wanted to use the space and exactly what the ground, aspect and levels could offer.
From plan to planted
The design, then the reality
Drag to compare the design drawing with the finished garden.
The reality
The designThe design
Seen in 3D before a sod was turned
I developed a scheme that carved the space into clear, connected areas — a sociable terrace close to the house, sweeping lawn, and deep planted borders that draw you through the garden. Using photo-realistic 3D visualisations, the owners could walk through their new garden and refine every detail with complete confidence before any work began.
Materials and levels were resolved on paper, and I worked hand in hand with the build team to keep everything true to the design.
Year-round interest
Planted for every season
The planting scheme was chosen so the garden gives something back in every month of the year.
March – May
Spring
The garden wakes up: tulips, daffodils and alliums push through, blossom lights up ornamental trees, and the first perennials arrive. I plan for this early lift so the season starts with impact.
- Tulips
- Alliums
- Blossom trees
- Hellebores
June – August
Summer
Peak colour and long evenings. Roses, salvias, lavender and ornamental grasses reach their fullest — a garden built for relaxing, entertaining and living outdoors.
- Roses
- Lavender
- Salvias
- Grasses
September – November
Autumn
Fiery foliage, late-flowering asters and sedums, and seed heads catching the low light. Thoughtful planting means the garden keeps giving well into the season.
- Asters
- Sedum
- Japanese maple
- Seed heads
December – February
Winter
Evergreen bones, textured bark, clipped forms and hellebores hold everything together — so there's always something worth looking at from the kitchen window.
- Evergreens
- Dogwood
- Hellebores
- Clipped box
The result
A garden that grows better every year
Anita's enthusiasm and attention to detail brought it into the 21st century. Her plant knowledge is mind blowing — we can't wait to see it grow over the coming years.
Imagine what we could do with your garden
Every project starts with a conversation. Book a consultation and let's talk about the space you have and the garden you'd love.