Garden Design in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
Location:
Manor Lodge, Gloucestershire, UK
Type:
Residential Garden Design
Scope:
Comprehensive garden and landscape design
A contemporary garden design in Gloucestershire, connecting formal and meadow landscapes within a Cotswolds setting.
Project Brief
The brief called for a wildlife-led garden design in Gloucestershire, with a water feature forming a central element.
Design Approach
A central corten steel water feature defines the garden, linking its eastern and western aspects.
Planted with aquatic species, it forms a contemporary focal point within this wildlife-led landscape. From key viewpoints, specimen planting and architectural forms are reflected on the water’s surface.
A grated steel walkway, positioned just below the water level, connects the formal garden areas to a wildflower meadow, offering long, uninterrupted views along the water.
Grasses and wildflowers frame a paved seating area beneath a canvas canopy, enhancing the sense of immersion within the landscape. Mown paths through the meadow allow movement around the garden.
Planting Design
Planting is centred around the steel water feature, combining oxygenating species such as Ceratophyllum demersum and Ranunculus aquatilis with marginal planting including Iris Sanguinea 'Silver Queen' and Cyperus longus. Aponogeton distachyos and Nymphaea provide seasonal interest across the water’s surface, contributing to biodiversity within the garden.
Tree planting includes a mix of native and ornamental species such as Acer campestre, Amelanchier lamarckii and Malus sylvestris, supporting wildlife while providing seasonal interest, blossom and autumn colour.
