Perched high above Gerrans Bay, this south-facing plot enjoys unbroken sunshine from morning until dusk. However, steep coastal inclines and thin soil meant traditional turf scorched every July, turning what should have been a relaxing lawn into an endless cycle of watering and patchy re-seeding.
The owners—frequent travellers who spend part of the year away from Cornwall—needed an outdoor space that looked pristine and established year-round without constant maintenance or expensive irrigation bills.
Replacing Thirsty Lawns with Living Ecology
Jacob removed the shallow turf layer, contouring the land with gentle undulating gravel swales that direct rainwater down into subsoil holding zones. In place of delicate garden centre perennials, we curated architectural species that celebrate dry coastal conditions: Australian silver-foliaged shrubs, South African restios, and Mediterranean ground covers.
A deep blanket of crushed Cornish granite reflects summer heat while preventing moisture from evaporating out of the soil. The result is an expansive, fragrant gravel sanctuary that hums with pollinator life, stays fresh through July heatwaves, and needs only an annual seasonal tidy-up.
