Woodside is a large contemporary house constructed in a wooded location near Worth in West Sussex.  The original layout consisted of a small terrace, un-drained clay soil and a dense canopy of trees.

As well as serving the needs of a growing family, our clients wished to provide a place of refuge for friends and military colleagues recovering from serious illness.  To meet these needs the garden required level access and a safe walking journey around the perimeter.

Considerable effort was made to reduce the tree canopy, while maintaining the natural woodland setting.   Soil was improved throughout and drainage installed to take surface water to an existing watercourse.

The design provided for a large terrace in sawn sandstone and a network of level paths, surfaced in a resin-bonded gravel.  The route through the garden included an extended pergola, offering shade and (over time) a partial canopy of climbing plants.  Further interest included a large summerhouse with veranda, raised accessible vegetable beds, occasional seating areas, lawns and a small meadow.

A bold planting scheme blends with traditional in the woodland areas.  The garden is subtly lit throughout.