Royal Chase, Tunbridge Wells

With a daughter living in Japan, our client was inspired to make her own Japanese garden in an area of the existing garden, as a relaxing retreat.

This was an imaginative brief and we enjoyed putting together a plan which centred round an established maple tree with a beautiful shape.  Structure and form came from curved pathways made from random shaped quartz stone, pointed with black cement (a version of ‘crazy paving’, but with an eastern interpretation).  Gravel was introduced to create the appearance of a dry river bed.  We then sourced a variety of Kent ragstone boulders from a local reclamation yard, interspersed with Scottish cobbles and granite chippings.  Each was carefully positioned to give the impression of a naturalistic formation.

Further texture came from introducing moss into the nooks and crevices along with ferns and evergreen topiary.  Bamboos and a pink magnolia add to the Japanese atmosphere, as well as providing useful screening.

This Japanese garden is one of striking contrasts.  The play of light and shadow makes it look different each time you see it.