Widcombe Manor

Restoration of a grade II registered historic garden surrounding a grade I listed house. The garden includes C18th and C19th layers. The client wanted to restore the important historic elements whilst providing a C20th contribution to the evolution of the gardens. The New Leaf Studio was responsible for design of all aspects and project management for each phase.

Work was phased over several years and included:
· C19th gravel walk completely re-laid and re-planted. Including creation of new gateway to provide missing focal point to one end.
· New sunken garden built replacing the Harold Peto garden removed in the 1970’s.
· Removal of approx. 250 inappropriate and self-sown trees, to restore historic form and scale of miniature parkland.
· Planting of more than 550 native trees and shrubs and in excess of 2600 new ornamental plants
· Historic path network restored including spiral path up the C18th (or possibly C17th) mount.
· New hard tennis court installed on site of former grass court.
· Restoration of “lakes” and watercourses, including new oak bridges.
· Historic grotto and cascade repaired.
· Creation of a new cutting and vegetable garden
· Detailed survey and management plan for ongoing care of over 300 retained trees.
· Advice on ongoing management and maintenance