The Old Rectory, Mettingham
This contemporary country garden was created as a practical, year-round outdoor space, developed in close collaboration with the client. Through careful listening and a considered design process, the garden evolved into a bespoke landscape that reflects how the space is used across the seasons, while sitting naturally within its rural setting.
Structure, durability, and natural materials were central to the design, ensuring the garden remains functional, resilient, and visually cohesive throughout the year. Wildlife-friendly planting and sustainable choices were integrated from the outset, supporting biodiversity alongside everyday use.
The Chelsea-Inspired Feature Wall
The feature wall provides a striking focal point within the garden. Inspired by Ulamaria Studio’s 2024 Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal–winning garden, it was recreated here with the same emphasis on character, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Almost every element is reclaimed — sourced and collected over time by both ourselves and the client — giving the structure a depth and authenticity that new materials alone could not achieve.
Designed and built in partnership with the client, the garden balances function, sustainability, and natural character. Reclaimed and locally appropriate materials were used wherever possible, reinforcing its connection to the surrounding landscape while reducing environmental impact.
Projects such as this demonstrate how thoughtful design can create landscapes that are practical, wildlife-supportive, and seamlessly integrated with their setting.
Entered for the 2027 Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) Awards.
“After having four or five companies come to quote for our work, we chose Craig from Willow Tree Landscapes. The quote was competitive, but what really stood out was Craig’s willingness to listen and work with our ideas. He immediately understood the vision we had for the garden and was completely on board with using reclaimed materials and creating a space that felt settled and established from the outset.
Craig was adaptable and confident, and no challenge or change to the plans ever seemed to put him off. He made thoughtful suggestions while always respecting what we wanted to achieve, resulting in a garden completed in phases that feels cohesive, natural, and a pleasure to spend time in.”
Natalie & Kester
Key Features:
- Chelsea-inspired reclaimed feature wall
- Custom timber pergola designed to support climbing plants
- Dijon limestone cobbled pathway
- Corten steel edging
- Dijon limestone crazy paving feature areas
- Reclaimed creasing tile entrance space
- Breedon Buff gravel pathways
- Oval wildlife pond
- Structured, wildlife-friendly planting
- Oak decking seating area overhanging the water’s edge
- Designed in collaboration with client, built by Willow Tree Landscapes
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