It would be considerably simpler to extend the beauty of the Millbrook landscape to a residence on the estate, replicating that which is known to work, and not take the risk of imposing your individual character, for fear of being outdone by the surroundings.  Yet Millbrook Manor did not do this.  The residence has been so beautifully landscaped that it somehow amplifies the appeal of the setting, whilst impressing upon anyone who visits a uniqueness that stands it apart and is distinct.

Bordering the gravel entranceway on either side, the Tilia Platyphyllos (large leaved lime) provides a stately feel.  The heart shaped leaves of fresh green seem to radiate health, drawing you in with an abundant freshness that only changes come late Autumn, when the season is embraced with a vibrant yellow shade.  In the summer months, white-cream flowers emerge but are not overpowering.  Their scent is stronger than their appearance, attracting honey bees and creating a sweet scented walkway.

By the walls of the residence, low hedging from BUXUS Sempervirens (English box hedging) is intermingled with CARPINUS betulus ‘Fastigiata’ (Upright hornbeam).  The pairing of the deep green foliage of the box hedging (which is also used to great effect in box spheres) against the slim trunk of the Upright Hornbeam, tricks the viewer by messing with your perspective and making it seem as if the building behind the plants is taller than it is.  This creates an illusion of size and space, which is only added to the narrow, columnar habit of the Hornbeam.

Flanking the elevated seating area that looks down on the oval lawn, is the Plantanus acerifolia (London Plane).  The fast growing, deciduous tree has a wonderfully clean trunk which, over time, begins to take on a mottled appearance as it begins to flake.  The large maple like leaves form a naturally rounded head which has been pleached to form a canopy.  This is a place where you can make the most of the sun, until it’s time to for a short, summer nap as you move your chair below the leafy canopy.

Surrounding that overlooked oval lawn are more Upright Hornbeams, a double row of LONICERA nitata (box honeysuckle) and PRUNUS lusitanica Portugal laurel. The Box Honeysuckle is perfect as a low hedging plant which exhibits red/purple tones in winter.  It works as a  combination that adds a depth and texture next to the manicured lawn.

Finally, the tennis court has a permanent crowd made up from more of the Portugal laurel, who applaud the action on court in late spring/early summer by becoming profuse with racemes of fragrant, tiny white flowers.  Joining them are a number of ZELKOVA serrata (Japanese Elm).  Over time, the dense foliage will offer shade as it’s trunk peels to reveal an inner orange-brown inner bark.

Millbrook Manor is a beautiful example of using plants and trees to create different areas of space, adding to an overall character that compliments the location but is still very much it’s own.  It would be easy to imagine yourself here on a summer’s day, the younger children playing on the lawn under the gaze of the parents from that elevated seated position, as a game of increasingly competitive tennis is being played out nearby.  It would be the type of day which would seemingly last forever.  And that would be just perfect.

“The Team at Easy Big Trees have been great to work with. They have supplied our project with healthy, top quality trees to instantly enhance our landscape. We look forward to continuing this great relationship.”

Trees at Millbrook Manor

Deciduous:

• CARPINUS betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright Hornbeam
• PLATANUS acerifolia – London Plane
• SALIX sepulcralis ‘Chrysocoma’ – Golden Weeping Willow
• TILIA platyphyllos – Large Leaf Lime, Pleaching
• ZELKOVA serrata – Japanese Elm

Evergreen:

• BUXUS sempervirens – English Box, Hedging, Cones & Spheres
• LONICERA nitita – Box Honeysuckle
• PRUNUS lusitanica – Portugal Laurel, Hedging