Sussex Garden

Project Type: Domestic Back Garden
Jamie Dobinson from Crafted Landscapes has created a truly unique and characterful garden in this sloping wet garden in East Sussex. The 500 square metres of once unremarkable space behind a 1960's bungalow has been transformed into a restful oasis with all year round interest and some outstanding talking points. We love the spiral shaped fire pit area and the way that Jamie has used paddlestones to create patios and paths that are refreshingly different. This young man is definitely a garden designer with a bright future ahead of him.
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Brief
Naturally Harmonious Organic Shapes

The client requested a garden design inspired by nature�s organic lines, aiming for a
space that felt natural, flowing, and harmonious. The scheme was to incorporate
contrasting and complementary materials to enhance both aesthetics and
functionality.
Key features included a fire pit and social area, a patio in front of the
summer house, and a new path connecting the house to the upper garden. The
design also needed to include boundary hedging for structure and privacy, a log
store, and a screened utility area to conceal functional elements. Additional
features such as a water feature, layered planting beds, ambient lighting, and
carefully positioned trees were intended to add atmosphere, movement, and
seasonal interest throughout the space.

Challenge
Clay Soil And Natural Springs Presented Challenging Conditions

The site presented several challenges that influenced the design and construction
process. The garden had heavy clay soil and a series of natural springs, leading to
poor drainage and increased water retention in certain areas. The sloping
topography required careful planning to manage levels and ensure accessibility.
Additionally, numerous tree stumps had been left in the ground, making
excavations particularly difficult and time-consuming. These conditions required a
thoughtful approach to materials, drainage, and layout to ensure a functional and
lasting result.

Solution
A Garden For All Seasons

A key feature of the project involved painstakingly building a spiral wall, which
became a focal point of the design. The wall was carefully constructed and
meticulously clad on the inside, outside, and top faces with backed-off quartz
paddlestones. This labour-intensive process required precision and craftsmanship
to achieve a seamless, organic form that complemented the garden�s natural
aesthetic.

The whole garden is an absolute triumph which has exceeded the clients' expectations and truly enhanced their lifestyle. This is a garden for all seasons that will bring great joy for many years to come.

Our Client Said...
Every step of the journey feels like a genuine team effort, with clear communication and a shared passion for quality. Richard brings a wealth of hands- on experience from his years in the landscaping industry into his current role in sales at Arbour Landscape, offering not just products, but informed guidance. In our case, he helped source stunning Turkish Quartz paddlestones, adding a beautiful and unique touch to our project. He explained how it should be installed and the additional products that may be required. Richard made the effort to visit us on site and ensure everything delivered was to our satisfaction, We can't recommend the service enough and look forward to collaborating together again soon in the near future.
Jamie Dobinson (Sussex Garden)
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