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Get in touch with us at sueboswell@hotmail.com
07900 312120 or through the form on the contact page
07900 312120
SUSANNE BOSWELL GARDEN DESIGN LIMITED
& LANDSCAPING
Introduction
The house originated in the 18th century as a three-storey townhouse, set within grounds that once extended around part of the Abbey. In the early 20th century, the estate was divided, with portions returned to the Abbey and a self-contained, near-square garden retained, enclosed by a brick wall.
When appointed, the garden presented a blank canvas. The building was in the process of being carefully transformed from a commercial property back into a private residence. Crafted Architecture led this complex restoration, introducing a substantial rear extension to accommodate a new kitchen and hall, while reinstating the historic orangery.
The outlook from these principal rooms formed the foundation of the garden design, informing key axes, views and vistas. The resulting formal aesthetic draws directly from the presence and authority of the Abbey itself. Clipped topiary, arranged at varying heights, establishes structure and hierarchy, wrapping around precise geometric forms to create a sequence of interconnected garden rooms that reinforce order, rhythm and elegance.
Formal Walled Garden
Borrowed Landscape - the power of form
A recurring theme in my work is the power of borrowing the surrounding landscape, and this garden offers an exceptional opportunity to do so. Rising beyond the garden walls, the stone Abbey becomes an ever-present backdrop and an integral part of the garden’s visual narrative.
The design responds directly to this historic setting, drawing on strong axial views, symmetry and orthogonal forms. Layers of clipped topiary and bold evergreen structure establish clarity and order, while carefully spaced planting, repeated forms and a restrained, timeless colour palette soften the composition and bring balance to the overall scheme.
A RESTRAINED PALETTE
A limited and carefully controlled colour palette underpins the garden’s formal aesthetic. Soft layers of purples, whites and pinks drift through the planting, harmonising with the pale paintwork of the reinstated orangery and reinforcing visual cohesion.
Shape and form are consistently echoed throughout the garden. Conical and rounded structural planting is repeated within the perennial layers, creating rhythm and reinforcing a sense of balance, hierarchy and order.
Repeating forms and planting in swathes
A limited and carefully controlled colour palette underpins the garden’s formal aesthetic. Soft layers of purples, whites and pinks drift through the planting, harmonising with the pale paintwork of the reinstated orangery and reinforcing visual cohesion.
Shape and form are consistently echoed throughout the garden. Conical and rounded structural planting is repeated within the perennial layers, creating rhythm and reinforcing a sense of balance, hierarchy and order.
How we got there
Building the garden was done during 2022. We used a crisp hard limestone for the terraces and a natural sustainable material for the paths. All the borders were edged in metal strips.
