At the end of 2016, the local government of Sint-Martens-Latem purchased the plot of land located behind the presbytery and the adjacent parking lot in the village center of Deurle. This strategic acquisition prevented the land from falling into the hands of property developers. After exploring several possible uses, the council decided to create an open space that would connect the village center with the Leie landscape. Our firm was commissioned to carry out an extensive depaving operation to help create this beautiful open space.

The design includes the demolition of the existing double garage in the presbytery garden and the removal of hard surfaces in the garden. This will allow parking spaces to be replaced with vegetation, better protecting the roots of the existing trees. The garage will be replaced by an 18 m² storage unit with a green roof, positioned at the edge of the property. The terrace at the rear of the presbytery will be expanded and made accessible via a pathway from the parking lot to the right of the presbytery, also suitable for people with disabilities. This terrace offers a unique view of both the garden and the Leie landscape.

Roughly half of the acquired land will be planted with a mix of low-growing grasses and flowers, such as daisies and smooth meadow-grass. The other half will be an extensively managed grassland featuring no fewer than 33 flower species, including cornflower, yellow bedstraw, and cowslip. Eighteen low-quality trees will be replaced by fourteen new tall-stem trees, such as sweet chestnut, pedunculate oak, and hazel. Over 1,600 green beech plants will help bridge the elevation difference between the presbytery grounds and the rear area along Pontstraat, forming a cohesive and sheltered landscape.

In addition, around 1,500 ornamental shrubs, forest plants, groundcovers, a botanical mix of flower bulbs, a bee-friendly plant mix, and climbing plants such as climbing hydrangea and wisteria will be included in the project. In this way, the project becomes a green oasis where Deurle residents can unwind, and the presbytery garden will serve as a new attraction for the town of Deurle.