The Headcorn Project Stable Block

One of the elements of our Headcorn project is the renovation of the stable block.

As you can see from the pictures above a new roof is required along with a definite improvement in general appearance.

We will be re-pitching the roof to an 'up and over style' with two Kent hips. This has required us to add two additional block levels to the height of the building.

The roof structure will be made from a tannelised softwood while the roof itself will be given an authentic appearance with the use of cedar shingles.

We plan to address the 'look' of the building by re-cladding it in a softwood weatherboard and will be installing new Iroco hardwood doors and frames. A bespoke cedar greenhouse will also be built and attached to one side of the stables.

Garden re-design in Headcorn

We have now started a new project, redeveloping a large garden in Headcorn.

The works include the laying of new pathways, creation of new vistas from the rear of the house, repair of an existing stable block including the building of a new roof, installation of fencing and lighting as well as the more soft landscaping matters such as putting in place a number of new planting beds and shrub and hedge planting.

This job will also include the creation of a new driveway access to the property to improve safety and the approach to the front of the house.
Planning permission has been saught for the new access and driveway from the local council.


The first two pictures here show some of the early works that have been carried out. The first image shows where an existing hedge has had a section removed to allow views from the house into the large garden beyond (which was previously hidden from view).

The second shows two of the Orchard priory team, Matthew Hopkins and Matthew Stevens creating a sizeable new planting bed.

The third picture shows the stable block in its current condition. Work has started on repairing this building and the new roof is due to be started tomorrow.

Check back soon for further updates on this project.

Gardens in a Box UK - Oriental Garden

The final concept design currently offered by Gardens in a Box UK is The Oriental Garden.

This garden utilises the natural forms of rock, planting and water to create a peaceful, low maintenance, atmospheric space.

The main garden is dominated by a large pond which is crossed by a stepping stone path providing a meandering route to a smaller, hidden area of the garden. This top area would be perfect for a traditional Japanese pagoda and a stone feature enclosed by rustling bamboos.

This garden is the perfect, quiet, location for contemplation.

The Oriental Garden includes natural sandstone paving, large pond with filtration system, gravel walkways, large stone feature boulders, trees and border shrubs and perennials.

For full details of this and all the other Gardens in a Box UK concept designs please visit www.gardensinaboxuk.com

Gardens in a Box UK - Terraced Garden

The Terraced Garden from Gardens in a Box UK is designed to create feature or to provide an option for gardens which are not level.

Curving brick retaining walls, steps and generous planting are combined to create an interesting, usable outdoor space.

The terracotta tiled top terrace, sweeps of lavender and hot coloured borders give this garden a mediterranean atmosphere which could be enhanced with Olive or Bay trees.

A central focal point provides interest from all areas of this garden.

The Terraced garden includes curving brick retaining walls, matching steps, sandstone paving, rope and post feature barrier, trees and border planting. For full detail of this and all the other Gardens in a Box concept designs please visit www.gardensinaboxuk.com

Gardens in a Box UK - Natural garden

The Natural Garden is the fourth of the six design concepts offered by Gardens in a Box UK.

This garden employs native planting and sweeping borders to create a wildlife friendly space with plenty of places to sit and enjoy.

The rustic gazebo and arch will be complimented by the colourful varieties of mature trees, shrubs and wildlife in the meadow areas.

Rambling roses will also wind their way through the hedgerow and over the structures.

This can all be enjoyed from the natural stone patio, positioned by the house, which blends into the adjacent lawn and borders.

The Natural Garden includes natural sandstone paving and stepping stones, hedging, trees and border planting. Further detail of this garden can be found at www.gardensinaboxuk.com

Gardens in a Box UK - Formal Garden

The third garden concept from gardens in a Box UK is The Formal Garden,

This garden uses strong symmetry and straight lines to create an ordered, beautiful space.

The evergreen hedges and the view to the arbour will visually increase the length of the garden while the formal objects such as the obelisks and knott garden will be tempered by the colourful, rambling herbaceous planting.

The pergola becomes an extension of the house itself by providing an outdoor room with dappled shade

The Formal Garden includes hedging, buxus (box planting) to the lawn edge and the knott garden, the softwood pergola and natural sandstone paving.



For full details of the Formal Garden and more about Gardens in a Box UK, why not visit www.gardensinaboxuk.com ?

Gardens in a Box UK - Modern Garden

The second of the six Gardens in a Box UK concept designs is The Modern Garden.

The Modern Garden uses crisp lines and striking features to create an area of beautiful planting an an area for entertainment.

The rendered wall with its archway and windows allows for tantalising views of the water feature from the house and provides shelter for the seating area and firepit.

Modern materials such as polished concrete along with the bold planting scheme set this garden apart from its neighbours.

As indicated, this design includes a smooth rendered, 2 metre high, wall, a stainless steel water feature, smooth rendered bench, resin bound paving to the entertaining area, natural sandstone stepping stones and a brick and sandstone firepit.

To find out more about Gardens in a Box UK and The Modern Garden, why not visit www.gardensinaboxuk.com ?

Gardens in a Box UK - Family Garden

As introduced in yesterday's blog, Gardens ina Box UK is the new subsidiary of Orchard Priory Limited which looks to provide a simplified, out of the box, landscaping product.

We are going to look at each of the six concept garden design available through Gardens in a Box UK on this blog, over the course of this week. The first is The Family Garden.

This garden utilises the space available to create a robust, useful garden which includes elements for all ages as well as outdoor storage.

The materials are cost effective but arranged in such a way as to provide an attractive space with items such as bins, shed and vegetable beds screened behind planting.



There are plenty of opportunities for play with a large lawn and seperate play equipment.

This design includes items such as a concrete base for a shed, a brick built barbeque with cooking grill and briquette tray, two raised vegetable beds and a childrens play area finished with play-safe hardwood chippings.

For more information on Gardens in a Box UK and the Family Garden, why not visit www.gardensinaboxuk.com ?

Gardens in a Box UK - Your dream garden. Simply.

We are delighted to have launched our subsidiary company; Gardens in a Box UK.

Gardens in a Box UK is an innovative new way for you to have your perfect garden, built by a professional landscape design company,whilst reducing both the time and cost involved in the traditional garden design process.


The Modern Garden (above) is one of six garden concepts

This is achieved by Gardens in a Box UK offering a choice of six, pre-designed, concept gardens for you to choose from thus removing a major part of the traditional design process.

Gardens in a Box UK will then meet with you to briefly discuss your choice with you and to make certain that you are happy before carrying out a site survey, producing an individual garden masterplan and carrying out the landscaping works.

We have shown two of the six concept designs in this blog entry, The Modern Garden and The Formal Garden.

We will be looking at each in more detail in future blog postings but if you cannot wait to see the others then please visit the Gardens in a Box UK website at: www.gardensinaboxuk.com

The Formal Garden (above) is another of the concept designs