The most romantic gardens always have one thing in common. They integrate design principles — symmetry, scale, proportion — so effortlessly that it is impossible to pinpoint where nature stops and order begins. It is this calming sense of poise that sets this sprawling garden in Blair Athol apart.
If you draw a line from the entrance to the property through their home, a single rock path flows over the canal and river, drawing your eye to the vistas in the distance. This design feat creates a seamless flow between the home’s interiors and the garden, something the owners value. They feel as if they are immersed by nature.
Part woodland, part water garden, the space was designed to take visitors on a journey. The owners love nothing more than to spend time in their garden. They entertain with friends and family. Their family enjoys picnics on the lawn, the boys love fishing in the fly-fishing dams, while the grannies spend hours painting on the river’s banks.
Related: Best Lawn Edging Shears for Perfect Garden Borders
It is hard to believe that the now established garden was created from a raw piece of Highveld plain in a matter of years. The first thing the owners did after purchasing the property was to create gently undulating levels down toward the natural water body. They saw potential in using the natural flow of the canal that coursed through the property as a design feature. In reshaping they discovered another unexpected surprise. A natural dam was forming at the bottom of the property which they then formalised and made permanent. Keen fly-fisherman, the owners recreated this as a permanent fly-fishing spot at home.
Boulders in the khoi pond were arranged with the help of a five-tonne crane to create the perfect height and drop for water to cascade. Although an initial garden was laid out around the home, a more elaborate landscaping plan was needed. The owners called on setting architect Patrick Watson to help with the layout and plant selection. Patrick and his team came up with wonderful ideas that articulated their vision for the garden perfectly.
Planting for the Climate
Plants were chosen carefully to withstand frigid winter temperatures that can drop to -14°C. This, and the fact that the property is wet and boggy, restricted the plant choice. They decided to fill the garden with exotic shrubs and trees that flourish in the northern hemisphere, especially plants from the Himalayas and Canada. The owners love trees and didn’t want overly fussy planting, so they decided on a woodland effect.
Related: Common Mistakes in Lavender Growing Exposed
The property now teems with masses of flowering cherries, hundreds of rare Japanese maples, crab apples, azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas and viburnums. Hellebores and mondo grass were planted en-masse beneath the trees and cherries, and magnolias and combretums make up a pretty screen for privacy along the boundary. The garden has evolved into a serene, romantic space.
They wanted to recreate the feeling of a child exploring a setting and, so, secret paths were built. Adding to the feeling of enchantment, water lily-clad ponds and a koi dam are reminiscent of Monet’s iconic paintings. Setting architect Patrick Watson maximised on the owners love of trees, weaving secret pathways and carpets of grassy mondo grass beneath a mix of flowering deciduous and evergreen trees.
South Africa is home to a remarkable variety of indigenous water lilies, bringing structure and seasonal interest to still water. With the right planting and care, they will reward you year after year. Water-loving plants, such as elephant ears, miniature papyrus, rushes and
Leave a Reply