The existing large garden is currently mainly grass and deck. Client requirements are to impart a more designed feel to the garden in a way suitable for enjoyment and entertaining friends, whilst allowing freedom for children to play yet requiring a low level of maintenance and providing for small scale vegetable growing.

The design brings more of an open feel to the garden; although a large garden, its long length currently has a narrowing effect. Use of appropriate trees not only adds width through blending with the surroundings to the west but also adds interest, particularly in the Autumn when foliage turns crimson.

The clean sweeping lines of the design suggest a modern feel and give a sense of unity to the two main parts of the garden. Subtle Japanese touches add tranquillity and further interest. The tea house doubles as a playhouse for the children. The imposing nature of the existing large but practical raised deck is softened by further tree and shrub planting. The sweeping path from the house finishes flush with the deck and invites one to make the journey to this far end of the garden. The four raised vegetable beds made from railway sleepers are accessible, manageable, allow for crop rotation and have a levelling effect to a sloping area of the garden, and are a feature in their own right.




Given the large size of the garden, a traditional approach to planting would not only be costly but would also be overwhelming in maintenance terms for a couple with two small children and a busy lifestyle. Designing the garden with simplicity in mind and more like a public space means that ‘less is more’ (already a cliché but true in this case). It also means the garden will blend in with its surroundings very well since planting is mainly of trees, all of which give interest from Spring to late Autumn.

The main path is marked with low level side projecting solar powered lights. Uplighters to the Davidia feature tree give night ambience.

The trees provide the main feature aspect to the garden. There is a Japanese style granite rock set in gravel in the west patio area and also a Japanese style water feature. The gravel can be raked when the children have finished playing in it!

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