GARDEN DESIGN
& RENOVATION
MARK SELBY
The Sculpted Garden draws together Mark’s passion for nature, immersive spaces and art, allowing him to create gardens that are both functional and beautiful. To do this, there is a focus on a response to individul location and context, working closely with each client to create a distinctive garden whether that be a small courtyard or large estate.
Mark has a PhD from the Royal College of Art in Sculpture, awarded via a project that examined the affects of increasing automation in our understanding of culture and production. As such, an importance of the ‘hand made’ is at the centre of The Sculpted Garden philosophy, meaning that Mark is directly involved from design concept to construction and planting.
Working from his studio and workshop on the Kent / East Sussex border, custom elements for gardens can be made in-house, while Mark also works with a select group of nurseries, contractors, makers and artists.
PROJECT
VICTORIAN TERRACEThe front garden of this Victorian terrace had been left to run wild with overgrown honeysuckle and jasmine, untrained roses and wisteria. While only a small space, even this garden needed consideration of both aesthetic and functional aspects - a small space can often be an even greater design challenge.
The client wanted access to the rear of the property opened up, privacy from the road and a wide variety of textures in the planting. Some of the exisiting established plants were useable in the designed scheme and with minimal hard landscaping - a simple gravel path lined by a hand-crafted fence (and rear gate) - the work was kept within budget. The additional planting of shrubs such as variegated Photinia, Trachelospermum Jasminoides, Hydrangea (’Annabelle’) gave additional structure, while perennials such as Saliva, Iris, Geranium and Sedum where used to create a mix of forms (and flowering periods). Now, on returning home, the client is immediately greeted by a sense of escapism and rest, far away from their busy working world.
PROJECT
GRADE II LISTEDA family garden must be versatile - a space for adults to relax in and entertain, as well as for children to play and explore. The original rear garden of the property lacked diversity in planting and felt disconnected from the house, creating a barrier to the owners use of an exisiting summer house. By more clearly defining the elements in the garden after discussing the clients needs, the flow of the space has been vastly improved.
As a Grade II listed property (sited also in a conservation area), listed building consent was gained for the construction of new boundary treatments and a bespoke oak pergola. Access to the property was extremely limited, meaning work was phased to limit disruption and where possible, exisiting hard landscaping materials where recycled.
By applying a simple palette of reclaimed brick, corten steel and limestone paving, the overall structure has been now harmonised. Additional planting areas near the house connects the exterior to the main property, with a variety of tall grasses and roses sited to give depth to the boundaries (alongside a mix of evergreen shrubs and ferns), while the re-shaping of exisiting beech trees and the addition of a multi-stem Amelanchier Lamarckii increases the feeling of privacy. Perennials such as Perovskia, Geranium, Allium and Echinacea create a range of planting heights and textures even in narrow borders; a pallette of purple, pink and blue spreads through the garden, with splashses of dark ruby Poppies and Peonies contrasted by light orange Geums that catch the eye.
CONTACT
The Sculpted Garden works within the Kent & East Sussex area, including the Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells areas. For any query or to arrange a design consultation please use the options below.
Beech Green Lane
Withyham
Hartfield
TN74DB