TESTIMONIALS
Sue was an amazing person to work with as she helped us re-imagine and restore our historic moated garden.
After carefully listening to how we ultimately wanted to use and enjoy the garden, her first step was to create a topographical baseline of the existing four acres. She noted surviving architectural features such as the Victorian ice house and started with a top down approach. She mapped out ‘rooms’ within this large space, and created a new and interesting flow to the garden, for example, by creating a large ‘landing area’ around one of the bridges and introducing hedging to create interest. Parts of the garden were simplified, taking out overly fussy beds, whilst others were glorified and elevated with bold planting such as giant gunnera and maples.
We were very reassured by Sue’s deep knowledge and experience of the history of gardens, but equally appreciated her keen eye and humour as she delivered a classic design with contemporary flair.
The masterplan that Sue drew up allowed us to implement the design in phases over several years. This not only helped us feel we were making progress as we planted out each area, but helped us manage our budget.
Unphased about the huge task of making sense of our 900 year old historic garden. And she did so with such care and flair.
I would like to make a testimonial supporting Sue Longmore and Querk!
We engaged Querk in 2021 as part of a complete restoration of a Grade 2 Listed Building in a small village in Wiltshire. The building comprised of a large thatched property over four floors, formed of 16th, 17th and 18th century extensions with the addition of two large modern extensions as part of the build plan - a seven room single story kitchen extension and a large Edwardian orangery, mirroring the foot print of demolished outbuildings. A multimillion pound project over 3 years.
The design brief was aethereal, playful and light. We asked for a recreation of a walled vegetable garden and zoned areas in the remainder of the 2.5-3 acre plot.
Sue listened carefully to our broad brush brief, understanding that we are also a co-joined family. Therefore, practically, on a busy weekend there are seven of us with five children (then), all under 10. On a quiet weekend, there would just be two of us. Places for us all to enjoy the garden, learn how to grow fruit and vegetables, cook and most importantly grow together as a family.
After the trauma of divorce, rental houses and unrest the children needed a safe place to be children and enjoy their environment - the garden was a huge part of that.
We are south facing, but the ground encircle the property on three sides, with the main A354 to the easter boundary. We received drawings showing where the sun and shade was throughout the year and the day, to support an immaculately presented design drawing, annotated with sample planting ideas. Mood boards accompanied each zonal area, fully bring the creative, imaginative design brief to life. All sympathetically blending the old and new and injecting an Alice in Wonderland whimsey to a practical structured design. Thoughtful planting in the walled garden, that almost everything was edible and young children could “pick the wrong thing”. Sue presented it in person and embarrassingly, when I saw how amazing it was, I cried!
Querk! Sourced outstanding contractors, project managed us phase by phase (still ongoing), and was beyond patient when other elements of the build delayed progress for her. A consumerate empathetic professional who was responsive, available and wholeheartedly supportive. Our site has no material useable topsoil to speak of, is bone dry in the summer and a bog in the winter, running down a slope to the river below us - levels are horrific but the contractors were always furnished with detailed technical design drawings and overcame any obstacle. Blanket TPO’s cover the site, as well as a conservation zone and protected village area. Tree root protection was a conservation officers condition, among many others. Querk navigated all technicalities with ease and enormous familiarity.
We have a beautiful elegant design, child, dog and parent friendly, manageable with flair and novelty. Impeccable attention to detail and I could not recommend anyone more highly. The garden lifts my spirits every day and that is entirely down to Sue’s sensational vision. I would welcome anyone to come and talk to us or visit - it would be delight to show you around.
Kindest Regards
Kate Scruby Snr Director Global Medical and Security
Sue has just completed a project at our grade 2 listed home in Dorset. From the very outset she has been professional, responsive and efficient. Her vision has transformed our outdoor space, improving the functionality and beauty of the garden, giving it a fresh contemporary vibe but in keeping with the house. Sue project managed the whole project from design, through construction and planting to the final sign off.
She worked hard to find the right construction team, working with our budget. Any issues encountered along the way were dealt with efficiently and calmly.
I highly recommend Sue, she is a pleasure to work with. She is knowledgeable and efficient lady who communicates well and delivers above and beyond.