CASE STUDY
Waterman’s Gate, Arborfield Green
Archway Green completed the soft landscaping works for the incredible new garden village at Aborfield Green. This new community on the outskirts of Reading boasts a collection of contemporary apartments and houses, surrounded by stunning countryside. With convenient nearby city connections, this new development has been designed to suit many lifestyles and walks of life, creating a diverse and exciting place to live!
Location
Arborfield Green, Arborfield, Reading
Client
Crest Nicholson
Sector
services
Soft landscaping implementation, tree planting, shrub and hedge planting, boundary planting, planting to beds and borders
Design Intent and Planting Approach
Archway Green were tasked with creating landscapes to match the serene surroundings of this beautiful new development. Set within a garden village surrounded by woodland and open green space, it was important that the scheme included strong green elements while reflecting the contemporary style of the houses, which guided the overall composition and layout.
Archway Green used a wide range of shrubs, plants and trees to create a modern and creative landscape for future homeowners to enjoy. Trees such as Malus ‘Evereste’ were selected for year-round interest, offering spring blossom and strong autumn colour, and were installed using an underground anchoring system to maintain a clean, modern finish without visible staking.
Compact hedging, including Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’, was used to provide dense, low-growing structure with glossy evergreen foliage, along with seasonal flowers and colour. This type of planting is valued for its fast establishment, making it suitable for creating immediate privacy and cover.
For borders along turf and pathways, Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ was introduced. This compact evergreen shrub offers dark green foliage, with red buds appearing in late winter and opening into fragrant flowers in early spring, bringing colour and interest to the planting beds.
A Modern Landscape with Lasting Impact
Each element was selected to support the contemporary character of the development, combining structure, colour and seasonal variation. The planting scheme follows a clear and minimal approach, using defined lines and blocks of greenery to complement the architectural style of the homes.
The result is a landscape that enhances the overall identity of the development, where bold planting works alongside modern design features. Over time, as the planting establishes and matures, it will continue to strengthen the sense of place and provide an enjoyable setting for residents, supporting both visual appeal and everyday use of the outdoor spaces.
