Hillesley School Landscaping Project

Garden Design Brief

The School wanted to introduce the pre-primary children to nature in a garden environment and at the same time enhance the look of the school. In addition teachers wanted a covered area in which to give lessons outdoors.

Problems to overcome

A high beech hedge in the area would take water, nutrients and sunlight from plants placed in the immediate vicinity.

Because of the age of the children great care had to be taken to ensure the plants were child friendly with no poisonous plants.

There was very limited space in which to meet the design goals required in this design and landscaping project.

The school before work started

Design Solution

Sean Mills and Associates decided to create raised beds to allow the children to grow edible plants and flowers. This resolved the problem of nutrient draining by the beech hedge and gave the children an opportunity to observe the full life cycle of a plant, from seed to their plates.

An outdoor classroom area was created by erecting a gazebo, allowing the children to use the area even when the weather was inclement.

A living willow igloo was also planted which could be utilised as a den that grew and changed with the seasons.

A pergola was erected over some balancing beams to provide a frame for a Humulus Aureus (Golden hop), integrating an active play area within the newly designed garden.

Artificial grass was proposed for the play areas of the garden as being minimal maintenance and very durable whilst not detracting from the overall look of the garden.

The beds were underplanted with bulbs to provide colour in the spring and autumn.

Reaction to the Finished Project

Headmistress, Mrs Brookes, was delighted with the finished project, commenting:

"On a tight budget sean mills+associates garden design have done a really professional job; incorporating a gazebo for outdoor classes, a pergola over balancing beams and a living willow arbour. We are delighted with the results and the children are looking forward to playing in their new plant-filled play garden."