The essential brief is to develop the garden within the sound structural framework of existing trees. Creating new features and planting schemes and making the garden of greater interest both aesthetically and horticulturally, increasing the plant content.

Completed projects have included the clearance, re-design and planting of a border close to the house known as the ‘Quarry Bed’. The clearance and re- building of a pond with associated stone work. The design and planting of a new shelter border, and the planting of a ‘Birch Grove’.

Projects currently underway include the construction of a reflecting pool garden and the re-design of the terrace surrounding the house. Appraisal of existing tree cover is continuous with ongoing tree work, and continuous planting of new trees, which has included Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Pinus wallichiana, Betula ermanii, Prunus x yedoensis and Taxodium distichum.

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This 40 acre garden and arboretum welcomes over 45,000 visitors each year. Andrew has set the vision for the future of the garden including writing a comprehensive report which outlines development opportunities as well as replanting and reclaiming lost areas of the garden.

Andrew’s passion for and knowledge of trees has been invaluable as he leads the way to pinpoint and survey every memorial tree across the estate since the 1970’s tending to them, and with a view to expand this endeavour. His plant knowledge is second to none – he is supporting the garden team as he goes – sharing his knowledge and passion for plants, birds and nature. The project at Armadale, which has been in Andrew’s mind since 1984, is now a major source of drive and passion for him.

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Just a few images from recent work undertaken at Uig Woods on Skye. This page is in the process of being updated!

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Just a few images from work undertaken at Childerley Hall. This page is in the process of being updated!

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This project involving design and landscaping during 2003/4 was a total transformation, on a difficult open site of essentially chalky clay.

The design evolved to create new spaces within the garden, offering some shelter and a sense of enclosure, whilst acknowledging the open views and offering a sense of space within. This resulted in the creation of a large ‘natural’ pond, new tree and hedge planting, a circular garden enclosed with a stilt Lime tree hedge, a herbaceous border within, and ‘house borders’ with practical paths linking various elements of the garden and the house.

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The initial site appraisal was crucial in understanding the relationship of the house and un-renovated mill buildings with the landscape and close proximity to the river and it’s potential levels.

A natural scheme evolved in consultation with the clients to provide sweeping lawns and significant planting beds, incorporating existing trees and landscape features.

A true strength of Andrew’s plant knowledge and design skills came to the fore with essentially beds in dry shade away from the river and under a closed canopy of trees, contrasting with waterside beds suffering occasional total immersion.

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Andrew was drawn back to the College again in 1989 to act as Garden’s Consultant primarily to develop and link ‘The Grove’ a Grade 2 listed building in which Emma Darwin once resided with the existing College architecture.

Then followed a sustained period of design, development and management which culminated in a new landscape to link the old and new and build on the wonderful mature landscape of ‘The Grove’.

Andrew was also delighted to be asked to liase with the Architects (MacCormac Jamieson Prichard), in the construction of a wonderful new Chapel whose East window is dominated by a magnificent London Plane. And then with Architects (van Heyningen and Haward) in the Wilson building.

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During his period at the College Andrew totally re-designed the gardens at both sites and set to implementing and overseeing this work with the College’s gardening staff. This included a complete re-working of the famous Fellow’s Garden border.

Andrew was fortunate to be at the College during a main phase of new and exciting building development. During this period Andrew worked closely with the College bodies, Architects (MacCormac Jamieson Prichard & Freeland Rees Roberts), Planning Departments and Contractors to secure successful garden retention and development.

“Andrew restored the gardens to their former grandeur, redesigning large parts of them. He has an eye for shape, colour and architectural details and an ability to blend the new with the old.”

Sir John Lyons, former Master, Trinity Hall, Cambridge

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