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The original back garden had a very large lawn, little planting interest or colour and a jungle at the far end. The site had a patio paved with square concrete slabs, along with more slabs and gravel around the house with different, sloping levels. The front garden consisted of an uneven tarmac drive and an overgrown mix of shrubs and trees that had caused a side fence to completely collapse.

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In the back garden the client wanted to maintain a traditional layout with a central lawn and an unobstructed view to the far end, however, considerably increase the planting with large, sinuous mixed borders to provide colour in all seasons, while also keeping existing trees and shrubs where possible.

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The garden now features large mixed borders with colour and structure all year round, a herb bed next to the patio, terraced seating areas, a large utility area with a shed and space for further structures at the far end, a hidden path to the utility area; pedestrian access at the same level all around the house and in the same materials; an irrigation system with underground tanks using rainwater for additional sustainability.

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A desire for biodiversity and pollinator-friendly plants informed the plant selection throughout the garden, with a rich and varied palette of textures and colours, including a number of winter flowering shrubs. Hundred of spring, summer and autumn bulbs complete the planting scheme.

 

In the front garden, the brief was to reclaim most of the space from the existing overgrown areas, include a seating element or feature under the magnolia near the front door, and improve both the hard and soft landscaping.