Courtyard garden
This walled garden in County Mayo was given a fresh new look with the addition of an Italian Porcelain patio. Pietra di Barge pavers from McMonagle Stone in Donegal were chosen to bring a warmer hue to this courtyard. The grey marbling in the porcelain picks up on the old surrounding walls ensuring the materials work harmoniously next to each other.
Hard Landscaping
The patio is installed with a fall to a channel drain, but water can also infiltrate to the soil through three large planting pockets. One of these planting pockets is positioned to catch the runoff from the roof of the pergola, allowing it to soak into the beds instead of run across the patio to the drain. These deep planting pockets were filled with a mixture of topsoil and compost to create a free-draining soil full of organic matter to promote lush growth.
Planting Plan
The three beds contain a mixture of structural and textural plants with evergreen planting. Three clipped yew balls (Taxus baccata) give a formal punctuation to the space, whilst Carex everlime spills over the edges and softens the clean lines of the paving. A self-clinging Hydrangea petiolaris will climb up the tall, old wall. Helleborus sp. add more evergreen interest and winter flowers. A selection of evergreen and semi-evergreen ferns add more variation in both shades of green and leaf shape and form. Shade-tolerant perennials are planted throughout - with Thalictrum Splendide White, Geranium Coombland White, Astrantia Shaggy, Astilbe Professor van der Wielen, Hosta Abiqua Drinking Gourd, and Anemone x hybrida Honorine Jobert - creating different seasonal interest. Finally, bulbs are added to brighten up the planting from March through to May with Narcissus Lady Madonna in two of the beds, and Camassia Alba in the wetter of the three beds, which catches the rainfall from the roof of the pergola.
Seating
This north-facing courtyard doesn’t get a lot of sun during the day, so we created a cosy snug to be enjoyed at night and throughout the winter months. Winter seating areas rely on good outdoor structure to provide protection from the elements. This pergola has a perspex roof to allow light in but keep the rain out. Soft-textures, blankets and throws have been added to bespoke rustic furniture up-cycled from old scaffold board; soft lighting is provided from string lights and candles; and a wall hung patio heater keeps the area toasty on even the coldest of winter nights.
A separate seating area has been created in the centre of the patio with two bright green lounge chairs and a coffee table. This bistro set adds a pop of colour a different view of the garden. Its delicate design has clean lines and the negative space allows the planting to be viewed through it.
