BLUE TOWN GARDEN

This small back garden was a tired-looking and cramped space, completely dominated by overgrown trees with plants struggling to grow beneath. The patio at the back was split across multiple levels, none of which was large enough to safely entertain; an awkwardly shaped shed was sitting at one side of the patio; the fences were in a bad shape with mismatching styles and colours; a narrow strip of old decking by the bi-fold door was not wide enough to be useful and dozens of pots were scattered around to cater for colour in the absence of planting space.

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The client’s brief was clear: a seating area where they could comfortably relax and entertain, plenty of colourful plants, retain some of the existing trees and shrubs, as well as the water feature; include a birch tree. Features, structures and planting had to reflect their favourite colours in the magenta and blue spectrum to provide a Mediterranean holiday feel.

Following the brief the garden was carefully cleared and completely reconfigured. Retained trees and shrubs were either protected or lifted to be repositioned.

 

New close board featheredge fencing now defines the boundaries. It is horizontally clad throughout to provide a smooth and seamless appearance. The much-loved, historic fence colour has been applied all around providing a clean, fresh look.

To maximise the use of space a rectilinear layout was adopted. A small porcelain-paved area by the bi-fold doors now provides for a bistro table and two chairs  to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning sun.

From there, a stepping stone path in porcelain and gravel leads east to the garden gate, providing access into the adjacent parking area. The path continues on, turning north and then east to arrive at a single step up onto the raised patio at the back.

The porcelain-paved upper patio, now on a single level, can comfortably accommodate the client’s existing furniture. The new made to measure shed, clad and painted to match and blend with the fencing, appears to be like a continuation of the fence thus ‘disappearing’ instead of attracting attention.

 

Garden features include three custom-made, powder-coated steel planters in a vibrant turquoise colour and a custom-made wooden trellis screening the shed when viewed from the house providing a purple accent.  The existing water feature is now placed in a position where it can be enjoyed from all seating areas both indoors and outdoors.

 

Planting

The steel planters, in different sizes and heights, provide movement as well as the opportunity to plant a beautiful specimen birch tree, which immediately elevates the appearance of the garden. The colour of the planters complements the colour of the fence creating the desired blues of the Mediterranean.

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The colour of the leaves of the existing Acer palmatum 'Dissectum' and Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple', replicating the aubergine/burgundy colour of the wooden trellis, provide repetition and unity.

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Two new trees were introduced in addition to the existing Dicksonia antarctica and Acer: a multi-stemmed Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii 'Doorenbos' and a Prunus 'Amanogawa', which immediately provide tall vertical elements to complement the horizontal lines of the planters.

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The planting scheme is designed to deliver all year round colour, striking foliage, scent and structure blending old and new plants.

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