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Expansive Family Garden with Large Lawn, Home Office Studio and Pergola

  • Writer: Nick
    Nick
  • Oct 15
  • 3 min read



“Nick and Doug at The Distinctive Gardener turned our tired garden into a haven —lush and inviting by day, and absolutely magical by night. Everyone who visits is blown away by the transformation and general feel of the space. From the very first consultation, their dedication and passion for what they do shone through. They bring not only expertise but also a genuine care for the outcome—treating our garden as if it were their own.


Their attention to detail is remarkable. Every plant, space, and pathway was thoughtfully considered, and their creative ideas helped us reimagine the space in ways we hadn’t thought possible. They listened carefully to our needs and made the budget work without compromising on quality or vision.


Communication was seamless throughout. They were consistently responsive, proactive, and transparent. What really sets them apart is their end-to-end approach: from design to execution to aftercare. Their landscape partners and electricians worked in perfect harmony with them, acting as an integrated team that made the entire process smooth and enjoyable.


Even after completion, their follow-up has been outstanding. They’ve stayed engaged to ensure the garden matures beautifully, offering guidance and support long after the final plant was placed.


If you’re looking for a garden transformation led by people who are not only skilled but truly passionate, Nick and Doug are the ones to call. They care. They follow up. They make sure your garden grows with you. A truly end-to-end quality team. They don’t just build gardens—they cultivate a space for life. Thank you!” - Chris & Kerry, Maidenhead




Contemporary family garden design in Maidenhead with pergola, home office studio and planting.

This large garden in Maidenhead, Berkshire was, as the image below shows, a complete blank canvas. Featuring a large lawn and a trampoline that had long been outgrown, it was a garden that in no way reflected the wonderful interior of this family’s newly renovated home.


Garden before transformation featuring wide lawn with a trampoline, surrounded by sparse bushes and trees. A red brick house and wooden fence are in the background.

The brief was to transform the garden into an accessible, year-round living space full of colour and interest. The plan included a studio office, an all-weather dining area, and several seating areas to enjoy the changing light and views throughout the seasons.


Modern patio with a table and colorful cushions overlooks a lush garden with trees, plants, and a brick house, evoking a sunny, peaceful vibe.

The image above, taken from the new pergola dining area, illustrates how the careful integration of garden structures and planting can reimagine a large, open lawn into a series of more intimate and secluded spaces. The use of multi-stemmed trees and tall ornamental grasses introduces additional structure whilst still providing clear sight lines to both the lawn and the house beyond.


This considered approach gives the garden a sense of privacy and enclosure while remaining open and light-filled, balancing seclusion with connection to its surroundings.


Historically, this part of the garden was rarely utilised. The strategic placement of a pergola adjacent to the home office has completely revitalised the area. Now serving as an all-weather dining space, the pergola is equipped with built-in heating and lighting. This addition has created a versatile and welcoming environment, inviting year-round use and transforming the space into a focal point of outdoor living.


Outdoor patio with a wooden table and eight gray chairs under a pergola. Slatted walls and green vines create a cozy, sunlit space.


Landscape plan with lawn, dining area, outdoor room, storage, and gravel paths. Features evergreen and ornamental trees, shrubs, and climbers.

The plan illustrates how the various elements requested by our clients were integrated into the garden design. A wide gravel path, situated on both the left and right sides, extends from the top terrace down towards the rear of the garden. On the right-hand side, the path features stepping stone pavers that lead to and from the seating area, adding visual interest and variety to the route. The gravel itself is securely set within an invisible honeycomb framework, effectively minimising any movement and ensuring the path remains stable and low maintenance.


The plan also shows the importance of the planting within the design. The multi-stemmed trees planted at 3 of the corners of the lawn give fabulous year-round interest, and the deep beds running along both boundaries help soften the contemporary lines. The long bed that runs the entire length of the side return brings the planting right up to the home’s rear entrance.


Modern garden with vibrant flowers and tall grasses near a wooden house under a clear blue sky. Lush foliage and sunlight create a serene setting.

A full view of the planting in this garden can be seen in the video. However, the image above shows how we used this bed, that runs the length of the garden room, to partly disguise the unit as well as creating a stunning backdrop when viewed from within the garden room itself.


The planting, which provides colour and interest throughout the seasons, is very much in the prairie style. Spring bulbs bring early colour, followed by a sea of purple alliums, with the grasses and perennials taking the garden through the summer and well into the autumn.



Are you thinking of having your garden redesigned? If you want to discuss ideas and learn more about the design process, why not get in touch for a chat?


Finished garden with green lawn viewed through the prunus and a modern outdoor seating area. Garden office and pergola with patio chairs visible in the background. Sunny day.

 
 
 

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