The Circle Garden – Transforming a Dorset Garden

Welcome to Ferndown, Dorset! We’re in the middle of supplying this fantastic garden project for the garden designer Tom Hill and managed to catch the team who are building this project –  PD Groundscapes – for the full run down on what is happening on this garden renovation. Here’s an overview from Paul Dobson talking us through the build and where they are working towards with it.

We’ve been here for about six or seven weeks now, tackling all the behind-the-scenes stuff that’s crucial but not exactly glamorous—things like laying ducts, irrigation pipes, and planting trees. Speaking of trees, some of them weigh over a tonne! Let’s just say, it’s been a bit of a workout.

Laying the Foundation

We’ve been focusing on the groundwork to avoid ruining anything once we get to the pretty parts. After dealing with those heavy trees, we’ve started working our way from the back to the front, laying edgings and getting the basic structure in place.

 

Materials Galore

This project is like a materials buffet—corten steel, natural limestone, sandstone, walling, and cobbles. It’s a mix of everything, and it’s going to look amazing. The garden used to be pretty basic with Astroturf and sandstone slabs, but we’re aiming for a total transformation.

Custom Water Features

Two custom water features are in the works, and they’re going to be showstoppers. One will have a tora pot acting as a water bowl with water cascading over it, right outside the garden annex. The second one, which you’ll see from the client’s lounge window, is still up in the air. It might be a 3.6-meter corten wall or something even more unique—stay tuned for that!

Unique Design Touches

We’re also installing two limestone circle kits with sandstone pitchers in the center, almost like a stone wall laid flat on the ground. This will be bordered by Lymington Dune, creating a nice focal point outside the garden room. There’s going to be a lot of lighting, making the garden look magical at night.

Paving and Herringbone Patterns

We’re adding some herringbone patterns too. Just a couple of strips leading into the garden room to knock any stones off your feet. The client’s front doorstep will also feature herringbone wrapped in bullnosed Lymington Dune. It’s going to look sharp.

Looking Ahead

People often think paving takes the longest, but it’s actually the prep work that’s the real time-sink. The British weather doesn’t help either, especially as we head into December. If all goes well, we’ll finish the back area by the end of January and then tackle the driveway, which could take another three months. So, we’re looking at a six or seven-month project overall.

It’s a big job, no doubt about it. But with a bit of luck and a lot of elbow grease, this garden is going to be something special. And hey, at least we won’t need to hit the gym with all this heavy lifting!