Garden Restoration The Arts & Crafts Garden
Project Story
Heritage and horticultural depth guide The Arts & Crafts Garden. Reclaimed York stone, brick edging, rills, pergolas and structured borders restore a sense of proportion around the Edwardian country house, while softer planting gives the garden movement and maturity.
Project Gallery
The challenge, our solution and our approach
The Challenge
Restoring historic garden elements while updating for modern living. Respecting the architectural heritage while ensuring the garden functions for a contemporary family.
Our Solution
Careful restoration of original stonework and garden structure, enhanced with period-appropriate planting and subtle modern amenities that don't compromise the historic character.
In Detail
Our Approach
Working with period properties carries a particular responsibility. For this 4,500 sq ft garden surrounding an Edwardian country house in Hertfordshire, the design draws directly from the Arts and Crafts tradition, taking its cues from the geometric discipline and material honesty of Sir Edwin Lutyens while introducing contemporary horticultural thinking where it strengthens the composition.
Original stonework has been carefully restored and new elements introduced in materials that age sympathetically alongside the existing fabric. The planting follows the Arts and Crafts principle of structured abundance, with formal geometry at the garden’s core giving way to increasingly naturalistic compositions at its edges. This graduated approach allows the garden to feel rooted in its architectural context while remaining a living, evolving space.
Heritage garden design demands both knowledge and restraint. We take time to understand the architectural language of each property before any design decisions are made. If you are considering a garden restoration or enhancement for a period property in Hertfordshire, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help.
The services behind this garden: Garden Construction · Garden Design · Outdoor Living · Planting Design · Wellness Gardens
The Build
From groundworks to the final finishing touches.
-
Historic Research & Survey
Detailed investigation of original design intent through archive research and on-site archaeology. Uncovering original path alignments and planting beds.
3 weeks
-
Stonework Restoration
Careful restoration of original York stone paving and walls. Matching historic mortars and repairing with traditional techniques.
6 weeks
-
Water Features
Restoration of original rill and pool system. Modern pumps and filtration hidden within historic fabric.
4 weeks
-
Period Planting
Traditional herbaceous borders with Arts & Crafts planting schemes. Roses, delphiniums, and cottage garden perennials in sophisticated colour harmonies.
3 weeks
Project Details
Historic Materials
- Reclaimed York stone paving
- Lime mortar jointing (traditional mix)
- Handmade clay brick edging
- Oak timber pergola with iron detailing
Water Features
- Restored historic rill system
- Natural stone pool with traditional edging
- Modern filtration (concealed)
- Period-appropriate fountain heads
Planting Scheme
- Traditional herbaceous borders
- Climbing roses on pergola structure
- Delphinium, lupins, phlox (cottage classics)
- Nepeta, lavender for soft edging
- Espalier fruit trees
- Traditional kitchen garden area
Features
- Restored garden rooms structure
- Period-appropriate garden furniture
- Traditional lighting (converted gas lamps)
- Historic sundial centerpiece
Begin Your Journey
Every great garden begins with a conversation. Let’s talk about yours.