Case Studies

Jigsaw can adapt and scale these features to create your special place - so if anything catches your eye, get in touch.

More case studies will be appearing here soon of Jigsaw's current projects.

Case Study 1 - Shady, wet garden

Problem

This garden was poorly drained and heavily shaded [view photo]. Every time it rained the lawn became waterlogged and pools of water formed around the conservatory and patio door. A steep slope ran across the back of the garden eating into the space available and adding to the unwelcome, enclosed feel [view photo].

In short there was nowhere to entertain, sit or relax and the garden was embarrassing to the clients whilst having a negative impact on the appearance and value of the house.

The Objectives

The clients were plant lovers but had nowhere to indulge their passion. Their requests included borders for plants, vegetables and fruit, a place to relax and entertain friends, a new lawn that didn't resemble a swamp and a water feature. The area of garden lost to the steep slope was to be reclaimed if possible. And it had to be finished in time for their daughter's wedding!

The Solution

A site survey was carried out and alternative design plans and material choices were presented to the client. Drainage or the lack of it presented the biggest obstacle and several deep drains ere laid across the length of the garden [view photo] [view photo]. Some 20 tons of subsoil were removed during this work and almost 10 tons of drainage gravel was poured into the drains. These would take rainwater off the patio area and prevent the lawn becoming waterlogged.

Our approved contractors created a patio in front of the conservatory and around the side of the house, enclosed by a reproduction stone wall. Beyond the wall a split level lawn wrapped round the garden using railway sleepers to create raised plant beds.

The steep slope was excavated and a timber retaining wall was constructed, including a lower path running the length of the garden.The path [view photo] allows the client to tend the plants at waist height – much easier for your back and knees! The wall reclaimed almost 35 square metres of level space and really opened up the feel of the garden.

The mushroom water feature [view photo] and lighting was supplied by Jigsaw and is positioned along the sight line from the conservatory. Lighting of the feature and steps is controlled by a programmable dawn to dusk sensor. A raised plant bed surrounds the feature with generous steps on either side down to the path [view photo].

A mini orchard of fan trained apple and plum trees was planted along the previously ugly wall [view photo] and a raised herb bed outside the kitchen door is just what the chef ordered!

The Result

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The clients are overjoyed with their new back garden and take great pleasure in inviting friends round - the embarrassing garden has long gone and is a source of much enjoyment and admiration. So much so the driveway has also been replaced and a blue and yellow wedding theme plant bed was built in the front garden. And yes the garden wedding pictures will be treasured for years to come!