A year ago, Cowen Landscapes embarked on one of its most rewarding projects yet: the transformation of a 25-acre estate on the outskirts of Maidstone.
For over two decades, the estate had been meticulously maintained, but time had taken its toll. The gardens, parkland, and waterways needed expert attention to restore their former beauty while ensuring they remained sustainable and vibrant for years to come.
The Estate: A Jewel of the Kent Countryside
The property is a diverse landscape, combining formal gardens, parkland, and water features that required a thoughtful and tailored approach.
Features of the Estate:
- Parkland – Expanses of open space with mature trees that required careful management.
- Formal Tree Avenues – Once symmetrical and grand, these had become overgrown.
- Ponds and Waterways – Suffering from silt build-up and reduced water quality.
- Herbaceous Borders – Lacking structure and in need of replanting.
- Topiary Courtyard Gardens – Shrubs and hedges that had lost their crisp definition.
- Formal Lawns – Once pristine, these required expert care to revive.
The Challenges We Faced
Despite its natural beauty, the estate had become difficult to maintain, and key features had started to decline. Some of the primary challenges included:
- Overgrown parkland – Self-seeded trees and unmanaged shrubs had encroached on pathways.
- Tree maintenance – The once-formal tree avenues needed thinning and reshaping.
- Neglected water features – Ponds had become silted, impacting aesthetics and biodiversity.
- Dated planting schemes – Flower beds lacked seasonal interest and structure.
- Declining formal elements – The topiary and lawns had lost their precision.
Our Approach
Our comprehensive strategy combined respect for the estate’s heritage with modern horticultural techniques to ensure sustainability, beauty, and longevity.
Key Steps We Took:
- Collaborative vision – We worked closely with the estate’s owners to understand their goals.
- Phased restoration – Prioritising urgent tasks while planning for long-term improvements.
- Ecological focus – Enhancing biodiversity across water and garden spaces.
- Precision landscaping – Restoring symmetry in topiary, tree avenues, and lawns.
- Ongoing care plans – Ensuring continued excellence through structured maintenance.
The Transformation
Over the past year, we have seen a remarkable transformation.
The Results:
- Rejuvenated parkland – Selective clearing and reseeding restored its natural beauty.
- Revitalised tree avenues – Pruning and reshaping returned them to their former grandeur.
- Restored ponds – Dredging and aquatic planting improved water quality and biodiversity.
- Enhanced planting schemes – Borders now provide year-round colour and structure.
- Immaculate lawns and topiary – Carefully maintained for a sharp, polished look.
The estate is once again a thriving and breathtaking space, enjoyed by both its owners and visitors.
Looking Ahead
While much has been achieved, estate gardening is an ongoing commitment. We are proud to continue working on this property, ensuring it remains a benchmark for excellence in landscape management.
If you own a large estate or heritage property and require specialist care, Cowen Landscapes can help.
Why Choose Cowen Landscapes?
- Over 25 years of experience in large-scale landscape management.
- Tailored solutions to suit the unique character of your estate.
- Focus on sustainability and ecological restoration.
- Expert precision in formal gardens, topiary, and tree care.
Whether you’re looking to restore a grand estate or enhance a private retreat, we bring expertise, passion, and a deep respect for the landscape.
Get in Touch
If this project has inspired you, we’d love to hear from you.
