This garden was designed in conjunction with Jamie Higham of greendotgardens.co.uk.
Jamie had sketched the concept for this scheme and the clients approached me to firm up the details, specify material, provide costs for the implementation and then manage and carry out the build.
The before and after images tell the story; the garden, on many awkward levels had evolved over the years with the various attempts to deal with the substantial level difference between and house and the double garage. Access to the garden from the two patio doors was not encouraging due to a level issue and poorly designed steps and much of the planting was oversized including a large leylandii hedge which was occupying at least a width of 3.5m.
The scheme presents very clean lines providing three distinct seating areas depending upon mood and the position of the sun…and breeze! Access from the patio doors is positively encouraged with decking the same level as the interior floor. The back door gives access to the circular terrace for a morning coffee and a vista view on the whole garden. Steps are long, low and easy to negotiate leading down to the garage and also the lower terrace. Glass balustrading helps retain the open feel whilst ensuring safety and artificial turf keeps maintenance to a minimum. My favourite feature is the “amphitheatre” effect the retaining wall around the lower terrace creates being at a good height for extra seating for guests whilst focusing on the party in the middle.
Planting is light and themed with grasses and agapanthus, clipped box punctuating the different “rooms outside”. A mature bamboo was left in situ as it added instant impact as did the new 1.5m high Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese laurel) hedge.