WHEN you live in a county like Cumbria, It’s very easy to get swept along by the majestic landscapes and mountains. What many don’t realise is that when they retreat into the private sanctuary of their own garden, they can harness this “borrowed landscape” to their own advantage.

With a carefully thought out garden design, views can be framed, vistas enhanced and the boundary between garden and landscape can be blurred. Nicola Wilkinson of Damson Design creates gardens that are innovative and exciting yet still sit comfortably within their existing habitat. A young and vibrant company based in Witherslack, Damson Design incorporates a classic timeless quality in their designs and then adds a contemporary twist. Traditional plants are used in a fresh context and schemes are dreamed up where the old and the new are blended carefully to work in harmony.

Nicola cites her influences as a broad range of sources from Italian Classical to the Arts and Crafts Movement. She is inspired by a diversity of designers, from Gertrude Jeykll to Arne Maynard and Arabella Lennox-Boyd. “There are fundamental principles in the design process,” said Nicola, “but then to create a space that is unique you have to step outside of the boundaries and dare to try something new. Why not have a framework of climbing roses with a backdrop of bamboo? The contrast in texture and colour compliment each other perfectly. Who says a pergola has to be straight? A curving walkway adds an element of surprise. Purple sage is quite dull planted as a herb on its own, but grow it in a border with cardoons, alliums and purple-black Queen of the Night tulips and the plant takes on a new role".

In today’s hectic world, more and more people are wanting to create a special space to relax in after a busy day. The garden should be viewed as an extension of the house and, just as you would carefully consider the colour scheme, soft furnishings and major structural work for the interior living space, the same principles apply to the garden. So much so that a well designed garden can now add 10 per cent to the value of your home.

Damson Design works in both the private residential and commercial market. Current projects include the design and landscaping of the extensive grounds for a large hall near Kirkby Lonsdale, a complete redesign to the three acre grounds of a South Lakes school and several private residences throughout the region. The company offers a complete range of services from site analysis, surveying and planting plans through to the final implementation of a coloured master plan with perspective drawings and illustrative sketches. Damson also provides project management to ensure that the design reaches a happy conclusion and issues plant care maintenance sheets for the soft landscaping.

“Damson Design offers a unique service at an affordable cost,” says Phil Goodfellow, one of their Windermere clients. “I have a garden which, although mature, was looking a little lifeless in areas. The design is far beyond my wildest dreams, and we are currently implementing the first stage. Damson Design co-ordinate all the various contractors and with regular site visits they ensure timely and correct workmanship. The commitment is 100 per cent in every aspect of their work and I’m looking forward to the second stage.”

It doesn’t matter whether you have a roof terrace or acres of rolling estate, anyone can create their own piece of magic that connects them with the extended beauty of the Cumbrian landscape. You just have to look at it with fresh eyes and an open mind. “It’s important that the gardens we create are very personal to the individual client”, said Nicola, “after all, it’s their space. When the design has been completed and everything is in place, the garden can really start to take on a life of it’s own as it matures and develops. That’s when the magic really starts.”