Friday 25 April 2014

Garden Design Project in Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire by David Keegan Garden Design

A Garden design project in Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire.


The site conditions first visit

Here is an example of another challenge faced as part of this garden design project. As you will see from the before pictures the rear garden area is an awkward shape going to a point in the corner of the plot.  The problem with is the eye is constantly drawn to the corner missing the rest of the space therefore leading to a very one dimensional experience in the space.


The garden as first viewed



Client requirements


Having spent many summers in the Camargue in the South of France the clients wanted this reflected in a Mediterranean style garden. As part of this brief they wanted the space to become an aesthetic backdrop from and an extension to a set of wrap around bi-fold doors they were having fitted. 


Garden Design Plan for New Garden



Design solutions

I designed a large deck area with an extended timber deck path way to continue around the side of the house. This allowed a connection with the bi-fold to side and a connection to a kids play center.

I also deigned planting pockets in the decked area to both soften and bring planting closer to the living space. Given the small size of the garden the lawn was removed and replaced with a gravel garden which was inter-planted with useful herbs including Lemon Balm, Sage, Oregano's and Thyme's, whilst further adding to the Mediterranean feel of the garden. A raised bed was included to far boundary to provide ease of maintenance but also doubled as seating in the space. This also allowed the sharp corner to the garden to be squared off and planted with bamboo providing year round interest whilst also maintaining privacy and movement in the garden.


The finished gardens






Below is the client testimonial received a year after the garden was completed.

Client Testimonial

We are both so totally thrilled with the full realisation of the garden you designed. It was an awkward space which together with our desire for something redolent of the Camargue in rainy Manchester was always going to be something of a challenge! However that is exactly what you have achieved. It is only now, one year on, that we can fully appreciate your skill, not only with the landscaping but particularly with the planting. Each plant whether chosen for it's architectural properties or it's colour or fragrance works perfectly to create an atmosphere which is distinctly Mediterranean whilst hardy enough to tolerate our weather. It is practical for our young family as well as providing us with a room outdoors for more grown-up entertaining. We could not have asked for anything more.
Adam and Sofie





I sincerely hope you enjoy the pictures and please feel free to comment or ask questions.
All pictures are the copyrighted property of David Keegan © 2014
Do not copy, publish, or use in any way, without the prior consent of the owner, David Keegan.



Picture size and quality is reduced for these postings in order to protect the integrity of the expressed and legal copyright © 2014

Thursday 17 April 2014

The City of Arts and Sciences Valencia, By David Keegan Garden Design


A picture diary The City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia,  Spain.


Pictures below are from a recent visit i made to Valencia. Prior to visiting i had never heard of The City of Arts and Science never mind its architectural magnificence. Built on a dry riverbed it truly displays an aura of other-worldliness. it is as if one had entered the stage set of a sci-fi movie or indeed stepped into some future place and time. The intense and crystal clear Mediterranean sky adds to the drama and effects as the sun sparkles shines and reflects in the water and on various facets of the buildings. What is truly wonderful is the the changing perspective as one walks around the various building some of which come to reflect different sea creatures from shark to dolphin to to insect. This is one of the most inspiring examples of  contemporary in and urban context that i have thus far witnessed. Not to be missed if you happen to be in Valencia. My only reservation i did not visit the Oceanographic Park as i do not agree with Dolphins being used for human entertainment. Still the overall feeling of the area in general,  is this place simply takes your breath away. 









































I sincerely hope you enjoy the pictures and please feel free to comment or ask questions.
All pictures are the copyrighted property of David Keegan © 2014
Do not copy, publish, or use in any way, without the prior consent of the owner, David Keegan.

Picture size and quality is reduced for these postings in order to protect the integrity of the expressed and legal copyright © 2014



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