Temple Wood, Carton Demesne

A Harmonious Retreat: Landscape Design Inspired by Nature

 

Welcome to a garden that seamlessly blends the grandeur of Georgian parkland with the tranquil beauty of a woodland sanctuary. Nestled within the historic grounds of Carton House, our landscape design spans over 3,300 square metres, offering a serene escape enveloped by mature Oaks, Beeches, and Spruces. Inspired by the surrounding natural beauty and the adjacent golf course’s rolling mounds, this garden is designed to harmonise with its environment while offering a diverse range of experiences.

A Symphony of Organic Shapes and Zen Serenity:

TThe garden’s centrepiece features gracefully undulating grass mounds, inspired by the golf course landscape. These mounds, shaped into organic forms up to 80cm high, create a dynamic flow through the garden, infusing it with Zen-like tranquillity. Their gentle curves guide visitors on a journey of discovery, providing playful interaction and enhancing the garden’s ethereal quality.

 

Extended Woodland and New Features

 

Recently, we’ve enriched the woodland area at the rear with an extended planting scheme, introducing a vibrant mix of Azaleas, Cornus, and Hamamelis varieties. This addition, alongside an array of ferns and groundcovers, deepens the woodland aesthetic, creating a lush, multi-layered environment that evolves through the seasons.

Careful Design Details

 

Throughout the garden, meticulous attention to detail is evident. Carefully placed cobblestones break up the larger paving slabs, adding texture and visual interest to the pathways. A bespoke edge detail to the driveway incorporates pebbles, providing a natural and elegant transition. Natural timber edging along the woodland paths enhances the organic feel of the landscape, while art details added by the clients offer unique, personalised touches that enrich the garden’s character.

Private Sanctuaries and Social Spaces

 

Near the house, the sunken meditative space, constructed from Liscannor limestone, offers a serene retreat surrounded by natural beauty. This area provides a peaceful spot for reflection and relaxation. It seamlessly connects to the main patio area, designed at the same level as the interior of the house, ensuring a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The patio is conveniently situated right next to the kitchen, enhancing ease of access for dining and entertaining.

A Pool of Serenity and Connection

 

Drawing inspiration from Japanese and Italianate garden design principles, the garden features a beautifully integrated pool area. With clean, straight edges near the house and a more organic, natural boundary in the woodland zone, the pool is both a visual centrepiece and a functional retreat. A boardwalk extends from the patio into the garden, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

A Living Water Feature:

 

A rocky water rill, meandering from the garden’s elevated section to the pool, enhances the natural landscape. This flowing water feature, adorned with ferns and woodland plants, starts with a serene waterfall, offering a peaceful retreat and the gentle sound of cascading water. It reinforces the connection between the house and garden while inviting exploration.

Front Garden: A Seasonal Tapestry of Flora and Function

 

The front garden is a living canvas, crafted with an extensive tapestry of groundcover plants and vibrant flowers, creating a seasonal painting that evolves throughout the year. Instead of traditional grass lawns, this area is adorned with a dynamic mix of plants and interwoven wildflower patches that enhance biodiversity and attract pollinators. To further support local wildlife, strategically placed log piles provide essential habitats within the wildflower areas. Large rock placements, inspired by the serenity of Japanese gardens, add a touch of tranquillity and balance, seamlessly integrating with the floral displays.

Greenhouse and Compost Area

 

A client-selected greenhouse complements the overall landscape, providing a dedicated space for nurturing plants and extending the gardening experience. Alongside this, a new compost area has been created to enhance sustainability and support the garden’s ongoing health and vitality.

 

 

A Dynamic and Inviting Space

 

This exquisitely designed garden offers a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics, creating spaces for relaxation, socialising, and reflection in harmony with its historical and natural setting. From the tranquil front garden to the vibrant woodland extension and practical new features, every element is crafted to provide a serene and immersive experience in nature.