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This garden was created at a brand new house in Kent. The garden had
been the site of the builders' services and there was a large amount of rubble under the surface of the
ground. The site sloped steeply toward the house and the client wanted a low maintenance garden with somewhere
to sit.
It was decided to retain the bank and to use bark with random planting of shrubs and trees
for low maintenance. If the present owner decides to move house and the bark is unacceptable to prospective
purchasers, removal of the bark and turfing the area is a simple job. |
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There are two seating areas, one on the large deck adjacent to the
sitting room and one on a gravel circle at a higher level. Lavender plants have been used to edge the bank
and surround the upper seating area. The original plan suggested a summer house or pergola at the higher
end but this fell outside the initial budget and may be introduced later. |
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A horror story! The end of garden of this terraced house in West London
had been neglected and the new owners wanted it to be cleared and a raised deck constructed for dining and
relaxation. We dismantled and removed the shed, old fencing and other accumulated rubbish to skips - all
rubbish had to be moved carefully through the house. A high sycamore tree, whose roots were destabilising
the wall needed to be felled and its root which was wound around some ancient metal and wire had to be dug
out by hand. |
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The same garden after we had finished - the beautiful old brick wall
was exposed and the deck was deemed a huge success. |
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This small town garden was created after the builders
had left – leaving most of their rubbish! The brief was for a sitting area and some interesting levels
making a feature of the magnificent oak tree. |
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A raised vegetable bed was incorporated as our client enjoys growing
herbs and salad leaves – this year tomatoes, herbs, chillies, artichokes, onions and salad leaves
were raised in this small area.
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Our client, who has some mobility problems, wanted to
be able to walk around her out door space at this cottage in Kent she has a busy life and wanted the serenity
of an oriental garden with a modern-minimalist twist and very low maintenance.
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At work during the day, our client wanted the garden to be seen and
used during the evening and so the deck walkways are lit from below at night. Planting was minimal with
three acers for colour, a wall of bamboo and a triangular bed filled with arum lilies, pots can be varied
for all year round interest. |
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An oasis of peace, and space for partying, in Tunbridge
Wells - this tiny garden is behind a classic terrace house in this bustling spa town.
On two levels, we created a sitting area under a shaded pergola in the L beside the kitchen and then a raised
pool, with a seat edge, from which we pumped the water up and under the higher level seating deck with a
slate lined rill bringing the water back to the pool over a slate waterfall. |
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As the garden was to be used at night lighting was essential so rope
lights were installed in the rill and under the raised seating areas. Also incorporated in the design was
a corner shed, built by Sean to sit discreetly in the corner. Planting was exotic – bamboos, grasses
and agapanthus thrive in this warm microclimate.
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Pathways – just two examples - firstly, a classic York stone path
using rectangular re-claimed stones with wide gravel gaps between the slabs. For this client we planted
small creeping plants in the gravel which smell wonderful when stepped on, more conventionally, the slabs
are laid closer together with a dry mix filling and no planting. |
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Secondly, this secret walkway leads from the main path to the house and diverts the walker
to the studio. The bamboo is planted as a hedge on each side of the path and the base is cross cut stepping
“stones” from an old poplar tree set in gravel. Small plants are encouraged to seed in the gravel
and give a feeling of informality. |
