Fircroft, Barrow Hill

by Sue McLaughlin

This will be the fourth consecutive year of opening the garden at Fircroft for the Henfield Gardens & Arts weekend. It was originally opened as a venue to display the owner, Sue McLaughlin's sculpture along with the work of artists from the Surrey Sculpture society.

Two years the garden was completely redesigned by Susan, who has had twenty years experience working in art and design, and is now specializing in garden design, having recently completed a two year course at Brighton University. Wanting to demonstrate that what worked on paper could also transform into a beautiful and practical outdoor space for herself and her family of six, she invested a considerable sum of money and twelve weeks hard physical work to create the garden of her dreams.

Having brought the property in 1993, virtually derelict, all efforts and finances were originally ploughed into the house, with a large extension being built in 1998. The garden was mostly laid to lawn with small borders round the perimeter. With the exception of the mature trees on the western boundary all the planting had been done over the previous ten years. There were some well established shrubs and trees but little thought had been given to their situation or unity. The condition and materials of paths, steps, walls, and other structures were structurally sound but of poor quality. Reclaimed Horsham stone paving had been used for a patio that was too small and needed replacing. The children had outgrown the play area, and as they got older needed more private areas to escape to. The pond, although supporting a wide range of wildlife was too small.

The property is directly on the B2037 south of Henfield; it is not overlooked and has outstanding views of the South Downs and Chantonbury Ring. The site gradually slopes by 2 meters from the garage to the pond. The soil is neutral to alkaline and the texture varies from green sand to clay. The garden is sheltered by mature trees and is a natural suntrap due to its south facing aspect, with prevailing winds from the south.

The design solution allowed more generous paving around the house, softened by areas of planting; this gave the house a better feeling of being 'grounded', and allowed for family entertaining.

The play area was incorporated in new raised decking and steps, and hidden by planting. The beds at the perimeter were considerably enlarged, with a circular theme radiating from the highest point, and contemporary 'steppe' planting on the slope. The planting is predominantly gold and purple to reflect the shadows of the South Downs, with more fiery colours in full sun. A secluded area round the conservatory has more exotic planting where flowers are subordinate to leaves and overall plant forms, a theme that is continued round the pond with bog planting.

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