Catherine Heatherington Designs
Home Gallery Public gardens Work in progress Publications Services Contact

 

This on-going project in the Inner Hebrides aims to integrate contemporary design with the natural landscape. As with many of the gardens Catherine designs, environmental considerations are very important; the garden is sustainable using native planting and local materials

The new house is set into the landscape and grassy terraces wrap around it. Trees such as hawthorn, blackthorn and rowan are protected from the sea winds, rabbits and hares.

The landscape was originally grazed and the meadow grasses and wildflowers are left until the autumn when they are strimmed. Much of the island is a Site of Special Scientific Interest so it is important that any plants introduced are natives already found on the island. Biodiversity is also important and the garden encourages a wide range of wildlife from buzzards and barn owls to hares and voles.

The site is extremely rocky; stone and rock from the site is used to fill gabions for benches and steps. The contrasting textures of rock and weathered wood echo elements of the landscape. Chippings from the local quarry are used on the paths between the large rocks from the site.

The house and garden are available for holiday lets