Case Study
Bullhouse Mill
South Yorkshire
Photo: Will Tomson
Photo: Will Tomson
Photo: Will TomsonThe site consisted of a tarmac turning circle flanked by mown grass borders and an uninspiring island of overgrown shrubs. The design intent was to create a wildlife garden of drought tolerant plants which would provide year round interest.
The planting island was deconstructed to create a pond with the feel of an old blown out quarry, repurposing the site-won boulders. The tarmac was taken up and sculpted into a series of planted mounds to give a feeling of immersion.
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The old turning circle is now a garden to wander through. Planted mounds rise where the tarmac was, and the pond sits among the boulders like a quarry left to soften with age. The drought tolerant planting gives interest through the year, with bees working steadily from flower to flower, butterflies fluttering between the blooms, and dragonflies hovering over the water.
We commissioned Will to turn a gravel turning circle into a garden that would look beautiful whilst being climate friendly and increasing biodiversity. The existing gravel was reworked into the new design and the stone came from our adjoining land, so nothing was removed from the site.
The result is a sand garden with a nature pond and a rich mix of drought-tolerant planting that is constantly busy with pollinators, while the pond draws in wildlife.
Will brought deep expertise in planting for a changing climate, listened carefully to what we wanted, and was creative, reliable and a pleasure to work with throughout the project. We look forward to his visits to check on progress in the garden from time to time. It’s now one of our favourite parts of the garden, and we’re delighted to recommend him.
Charles
Bullhouse Mill
South Yorkshire