City & Country has reinvigorated the Old Saint Michaels entrance by restoring the original gates and adding planting appropriate to the formal entrance. It has also created rich and tranquil car-free landscaped courtyards replete with an array of established plants and trees. The group believes in landscaping to achieve immediate effect to enable homeowners to be able to enjoy the gardens as soon as they move in.
The existing mature trees are being carefully protected during the construction process, to allow them to become the focal points within the landscape. The existing trees include maple, birch, magnolia, crab apple and an Indian bean tree - the name ‘Indian’ is a reference to the North American native Indians, where the species originates from, and the ‘beans’ that appear in the late summer. The extensive installation of bird boxes and the planting of native species will encourage birds and other wildlife to the green heart of the development.
The courtyards have been carefully divided with new hedges and planting to create relaxed and intimate spaces. A number of the hedge lines subtly recreate the original subdivision of the courtyards. Solid stone paving slabs form the paths, grey block paving is used for the mews streets, and iron railings surround the small terraces to a number of the ground floor apartments. New areas of grass, flower beds and the planting of bulbs will combine with the existing trees and the new hedges and trees to create a soft backdrop and relaxed spaces to enjoy.