"We had been meaning to revamp our rather boring back garden for a few years but had simply not met the right design duo- until Nick and Doug walked into our lives!
From start to finish our Distinctive Gardener experience was seamless - the overall attention to design detail, the best construction team and the perfect, lush, low-maintenance planting. We did not have to worry about a single thing because the project management was impeccable. This was extra important to us because we both have busy jobs. The result is
the ultimate "extra room" which this summer has proved to be both a user-friendly, (and C-19 compliant!) entertainment space and also a relaxing haven for us. We are delighted!" - Steph & Pontus
This is a garden typical of a modern build town house, in that, whilst being quite wide it is not particularly deep. The clients wanted a garden that they could use for most of the year, where they could relax and entertain during precious downtime. A lawn was also essential, as the client loves to practice her yoga outside.
The garden was very much designed with sunlight in mind, as the garden has two main ‘hot spots’ and also a very shady rear area. We created two main seating areas, one for dining and one with more relaxed seating for chilling out. Both these areas enjoy the sun at different times of the day. The relaxed seating area near to the house to the right enjoys the morning sun, whilst the larger dining area to the right enjoys sunshine from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
As much of the garden is in shade during the winter months, we chose a light limestone paving to bounce the light around the garden, and also used cedar batons around the dining area to add warmth to the overall design.
The deeply shaded border is planted with a wide range of shade tolerant plants, including gorgeous chocolate Hydrangeas, ferns, Brunneras, grasses and Heucheras. The rear wall is painted in a sage green colour - a perfect backdrop to the planting.
At each end of the rear bed, we have used Tree Ferns to give an exotic feel and also to give wonderful winter structure.
As with many modern builds, privacy can be an issue, so in the right hand bed, we placed a wonderful green feature pot at its centre, with two Cercis trees each side to help create a sense of seclusion.
The feature pot (above), which is planted with a striking red acer tree, is a perfect ‘anchor’ for the border and is surrounded by Hardy Geraniums, Roses, Euphorbias and Astrantias.
The fence a long the whole if this boundary is planted with evergreen star jasmine and this wonderful long flowering clematis ‘Polish Spirit’.
This border planting is also continues down the side return (above) of the house, making a trip to the dustbin a totally new and enjoyable experience!
We also created a border close to the house that enjoys a sunnier outlook, with Achilleas, Salvias and the stunning blue of Agastache ‘Black Adder’ (right)
The design makes the garden feel a lot deeper than it is and the integrated lighting system creates a magical atmosphere for evening entertaining.
From this……
to this...