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The house is a modern sleek Edwardian terrace conversion with a long, narrow, north-facing garden (17 x 5 m) owned by a young academic who requires a comfortable space to entertain, relax and work ...occasionally. The low-maintenance design provides an entertaining/dining area close to the house |
with glimpses through to the rest of the garden. Storage is incorporated to maximise the use of space. Pleached hedging affords |
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...without encroaching on the limited breadth of the garden. A long reflective pool leads to a cosy retreat concealed by a 2 metre semi-transparent water feature which also provides the subtle sound of trickling water. The raised deck is positioned to capture the afternoon / evening sunshine. Planting is chosen to provide semi-transparent screening, height variation for visual interest, and to create a subtle romantic mood. |
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The boundary with the adjoining woodland needed particular consideration in respect of wildlife entering the garden, in order to prevent plant damage. In the southwest corner of the garden land drainage is incorporated to address the boggy soil in that area. A water lily pond acts as an additional overflow for site drainage. An old stone well which sits in the middle of the lawn is removed and made safe - access is retained to serve as a water source for the garden. The large number of mature trees in the garden create a woodland atmosphere, however issues of light need to be addressed... |
The house (c. 1920) sits in a site of approximately 0.7 hectares, accessed by a long avenue lined with mature lime trees. A garage extension which the owners plan to convert to a 2-storey extension incorporating an office space overlooking the garden, will substantially increasing the overall size of the dwelling. This required the siting of a separate double garage in another position. The property does not have the complications of listed status and there are no tree preservation orders (TPO’s) in place.|
It is envisaged that a small number of trees will be removed, which together with general remedial work, will also improve the health and appearance of those remaining. Pollarding to reduce the height of the lime avenue and raising the canopies of the larches in particular, will also increase light levels in the garden Clues to its history as the site of a gate lodge are evident at the north end of the property where wrought iron gates mark the old entrance to a large manor house... |
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It was considered that the gates could form a feature in this part of the garden. A swimming pool is an option in the design. Enhancing the approach and entrance to the house as well as the views from upper windows are important considerations. An elegant terrace is designed to link the original house with the converted extension. Extensive planting beds flank the terrace and pool areas. Subtle lighting extends the gardens amenity and beauty after dark. |
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The design incorporates a pergola structure to join the main entrance with a large rear south-facing terrace leading out from the conservatory. A grape vine provides additional summer shade as well as an added attraction for children. and adults alike. |
The pergola along with carefully designed planting also screen the entrance driveway from the dining terrace. The existing tennis court needed careful consideration in the design. The owners are keen tennis players with 3 small children whose needs are also addressed. A natural swimming pool is incorporated as an aesthetic as well as a recreational feature with screened surrounds for sunbathing. The annex is screened from the main house by planting and enhanced with climbing plants. A small private terrace is added. The design was developed to unify the various components of the site. The rectilinear design close to |
An extended thatched stone farmhouse with a separate annex in a village location with large south-facing garden backing onto rolling fields and farmland.|
the house gives way to flowing curves and sweeping lawns as the garden extends out to the surrounding countryside. The tennis court is screened by a grove of fruit trees underplanted with spring bulbs and meadow flowers which spirals around a manicured lawn. |
A childrens’ play area with secret |
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Mary J Murray is a qualified garden designer with a Postgraduate Diploma in Residential Landscape Architecture from the internationally recognised Oxford College of Garden Design and is a Corresponding Member of the Society of Garden Designers. Personal style is driven by functional architectural designs which also create excitement and mystery and lush planting for structure, form and texture, with careful colour selection setting the mood. We aim to create liveable spaces, integrating the building with its surroundings. Every garden design is bespoke because every client and location is different. |
But whether you lean toward traditional styles, minimalism or technological wizardry, quality and detail are intrinsic to the design. Whether you have a city, suburban or large country garden we can interpret your wish list and produce a functional solution which reflects your personality and aspirations. |
design
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Professional design and implementation from a qualified garden designer The usual stages involve an initial client meeting and brief. Upon project acceptance a full site survey is carried out. Based on your requirements, this will evolve to the detailed outline plan. Perspective drawings & mood boards are presented at this stage - along with the outline design in plan. Detailed planting plans and maintenance schedules will be provided once the design is agreed. A full project management service is offered, and in most situations recommended to ensure the design is fully implemented by the chosen contractor. |
This can include full technical specification, detailed construction drawings & management of the contractor tendering process. mary j murray garden designers can deliver a fresh, bold and beautiful garden design and can ensure the garden is built with a minimum of inconvenience to you. Based in Oxford and Dublin, and currently involved in projects in the UK, Ireland and the US. |
service
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 murray-garden-brochure.pdf
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49 Glanville Road
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