Landscaping
For many, one of the most important considerations that residents make when purchasing an ECA property are the gardens of an English Courtyard. The grounds of all courtyards are professionally designed (many are award winning sites) to positively improve the environment, strengthen their communities and provide colour and interest all year round for residents. The grounds are designed to have a variety of trees, shrubs and herbaceous material giving a range of colour, texture and interest for all.
The different sites vary in their size and complexity depending on the history of the site. Some are created from a large country house garden – others from a converted farmstead. They may have a formal lawn in the courtyard or a meadow at the back. Whatever their size and location the Courtyard Managers are charged with all landscape maintenance including the front gardens of all properties. Residents have either a rear patio garden or balcony which is private and personal.
As the Courtyard Managers are not professional gardeners (nor indeed are they employed as such - although they all have an interest in gardening and come to the Association with differing skill levels), landscape advice is readily available from ECA’s Landscape Manager or his deputy, and formal training is provided on matters such as pruning, lawn care and the safe use of pesticides. Within the grounds all garden waste is composted on site where possible for use in routine maintenance.
Many residents have moved from their own large gardens and many have years of experience but can now live in pleasant surroundings knowing that their days of hard work in the garden are over. They can relax in the knowledge that their surroundings are being maintained for their delight and well-being without any physical effort from themselves.