You can still have room for a front garden and a car.
That's the message from the showcase display at this year's Sandringham Flower Show.
Three gardens are being built in the Royal Marquee to simulate a terraced row of houses and show how in a relatively small space, you can still have a front garden and room for a motor vehicle.
The gardens will be among the exhibits visited by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall during their visit to the show. They have been designed by Paul Welford and built by Norfolk-based Thistlefield.
'As the number of vehicles on our roads increases year on year, so does the need for a space to park them,' said Mr Welford. 'As a result, many front gardens are being paved over to provide a parking area.
'As well as looking less visually appealing, it also causes a number of issues environmentally and for wildlife. Gardens can soak up rain, unlike paving and concrete, which are less porous, therefore increasing the amount of rainwater run-off.
'The water flows into the drains, which can't always cope, and can cause flooding. Loss of foliage and flowers, means loss of habitat for many insects, birds and mammals such as hedgehogs.'
In the first garden most of the hard landscaping is with shingle which allows rainwater to soak into the ground. The carport has a living roof which soaks up some of the rainfall and creates habitat for wildlife.
The second garden has a car turntable, reducing the area required for parking. This leaves space for a lawn and flower border.
The third garden has been designed and built for a motorcyclist. Based around an oval path, it allows the bike to be driven in and out without the need to turn it around.
'I would like to thank everyone who has helped with the creation of the garden,' said Mr Welford. 'Also not forgetting our sponsors, without whom we would not be able to create the garden: C J Ball Motorcycles - Honda, EDP, Glen Stittle, Enviormat, Harrowden Turf, www.Ilovemetalart.com, Klein & Redwolf Ltd, M&B Distributors, Norfolk Quality Plants, Northwold Tile Supplies, NRS Landscape Centre, Robinsons Motor Group - Smart.' Sandringham Flower Show is being held on Wednesday, July 26. Gates open 9am, admission £10 adult, under-16s free.
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