A Lasting Legacy

PEOPLE often have their gardens made over in happy circumstances such as a special wedding anniversary, a new house or retirement.
However, a recent renovation project by Tim Brayford, at St Lawrence, took place under sadder circumstances. The owner, Chris Evans, knew he was terminally ill and wanted the garden to be his last big project.

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"The garden had been let go and Mr Evans' contacted me in autumn 2007 to redo the garden on a Mediterranean theme," said Tim. "I started work early last year.
"The property slopes steeply and access to the garden was down slippery steps. One of my first tasks was rebuilding the steps in Indian sandstone and adding a rope handrail' with wooden uprights. I also rebuilt stone retaining walls," he said.
The garden is terraced informally on three levels, which- Tim replanted using mainly evergreen Mediterranean shrubs. "Here, lavender,; euphoria, scene and broom are some of the plants I used," he said.

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"I was looking for plants to give all-year-round foliage interest and that would not need much maintenance. As it is an exposed seaside garden, I chose things to withstand salt-laden winds.
"I planted quite densely so the plants will knit together over time, suppressing weeds."
Tim rebuilt paths, built an arbour seat and planted climbers like Euonymous Harlequin to soften walls.
At the bottom of the slope, he created raised vegetable beds, which he planted with asparagus. Fruit trees were also planted on the lower level.
"Mr Evans seemed to enjoy watching the garden develop," said Tim. "I got the feeling that it gave him something positive to look forward to every day. Even when he was too ill to get out of bed, I would show him digital photographs of how it was progressing."
Sadly, as the job was nearing completion in January, Mr Evans died. The house will now be used by his family.

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Tim described the project as challenging but rewarding. '"Access was so difficult that we had to carry everything down the steps. We couldn't even use a wheelbarrow." "As a landscaper, it is helpful to get feedback from the client while work is in progress. Unfortunately, there were times when Mr Evans was not well enough for us to talk things through." "However, it was a very interesting garden to work on and Mr Evans's interest in our progress made it very worthwhile," said Tim. "Even as his life was coming to an end, he continued to look to the future. He was a very nice man, with a keen interest in plants and it was a privilege to be involved with him in this way," he said.

This article appeared in the Isle of Wight County Press on 9th April 2009