Chelsea winners design gardens at Holborough

Two gardens designed by Chelsea Flower Show medal winning landscape company Scenic Blue (Kent) have been unveiled at Holborough, Berkeley Homes (Kent) Ltd’s development near Snodland. The rear gardens of the two latest show homes have been fully landscaped to demonstrate to purchasers how to make the most of their outdoor space and inspire them to come up with ideas for their own gardens.

Both gardens were created by designer Mandy Buckland who works with Scenic Blue, a local company based near Faversham, the same team that won an RHS Gold Medal at the 2006 Chelsea Flower Show.

Both gardens, which were designed especially for Holborough, use simple, strong lines of hard landscaping softened by eye catching planting, to create an attractive and relaxing environment. With access from the sliding glass patio doors of each home, the indoor space flows seamlessly to the outside.

The five-bedroom ‘Harvard’ show home features a rear garden that combines Indian sandstone paving and green oak sleepers to create a wonderful social area for outdoor dining or relaxing. A wrap-around raised planter with clipped topiary provides a cosy enclosure with a stainless steel water feature as its focal point that bubbles out over black polished pebbles.

The rear garden of the four-bedroom ‘Claremont’ show home combines a circle of black limestone paving contrasting with natural creamy travertine stones. The circular theme is reflected throughout the garden with soft arcs of planting and bold wooden arches framing the gravel walkway. Strong divisional lines created by box hedging radiate from the centre of the black limestone circle, while statuesque hornbeams complete this simple yet sophisticated garden.

According to recent research from estate agent Savills approximately 70% of UK homebuyers cite a garden as a major factor in their decision on whether or not to purchase a property. Although large gardens were the biggest draw, a significant number of buyers indicated that a small but well-planned garden with attractive shrubs and landscaping would also influence their decision to purchase. All of the three, four and five bedroom houses at Holborough benefit from rear gardens.

Mandy Buckland, the designer at Scenic Blue comments: “Gardens are an important element in our lives, whether providing a peaceful sanctuary after a busy day, or an area in which, to entertain or socialise. Our designs at Holborough create inspirational, harmonious and exciting outdoor spaces.”

Prices at Birchleigh, the second phase at Holborough start from £160,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Three-bedroom houses are priced from £250,000.

For further information on Birchleigh and the Holborough development visit Holborough.co.uk.