Jonathan Ford Garden Designer

Landscape and Garden Design Tips: Pond or Lake with no natural water source This large pond or small lake is about the size of a tennis court in area. The client wanted a natural pond for wildlife. The problem was that there was no stream or other naturally occurring water source. The solution involved piping the rain falling on the roof of the house. The combination of rain falling on the pond and from the roof meant that once the pond was filled no further mains water was needed. A rule of thumb suggests that a week without rain will result in an inch depth of water lost through evaporation. The pond was designed to look presentable even if the water level fell by 12 inches. This is equivalent to almost three months without rain. To use this technique it is important to ensure that water is not being lost through the ground.

Concept drawing for new terrace, near Combe, West Oxfordshire. Just gone out to tender. Materials include riven yorkstone with a brick trim. Key requirements include optimising sunshine to the sitting area which has buildings on both the south and west sides, improving the main approach to the house and ensuring that the money spent adds at least the same to the value of the house.

Gardens are expensive to build so how can we fund them? This is a current scheme where we are looking at raising the necessary capital by selling off a small plot of land that is surplus to requirements. The new building would be subservient to the main house and have the feeling of a stable or barn or lodge. Other ideas include garages with a flat over for AirBnB.

Met https://www.facebook.com/AlexanderArmstro ngofficial/# this morning....wonderful pyjamas! A real pleasure to work with...a kind, amusing, gracious man. Native tree and shrub planting doing really well. Thank you Tim Shardlow at Nicholsons Nurseries! Anyone want a llama or two?

Just started a new garden design project in North Oxford. Several survey photos and initial Concept Drawings...I prefer to call them blunt pencil drawings ....hopefully for obvious reasons. Drawing technique influenced by Geoffrey Jellicoe. Pergola design influenced by Edwin Lutyens at Hestercombe. Option One: Minimum impact (and cost). This would simply resolve design problems like privacy, unsightly boundaries and unwanted maintenance whilst making the most of the long vie...w; Option Two: Let's dream (blue sky thinking with heavy Arts and Crafts influence and wonderful hard landscape materials and a large budget); Option Three: Target - this is my best assessment of what the client wants. The different options show the client what can be done and are intended to encourage discussion. All resolve the design constraints...and all are feasible - subject to budget. The client has gone for Option Three with minor revisions - result! I love my work.
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Photos from a return visit to one of my favourite projects. Beautifully maintained by the garden team. Wonderful place to work.