The client's brief was for a family garden, for relaxation and entertaining, with a nod to his South African heritage. They both described a love of scent and bright colours, particularly reds, yellows and oranges with a touch of the exotic.
Originally an uneven mix of concrete and paving, the clients arranged for the site to be cleared and partially levelled prior to us starting the transformation.
The design was rotated by 45 degrees to give the illusion of more depth to the wide but shallow south-facing plot. A large bespoke deck with pergola over provided a wonderful shaded family dining area. Another matching West-facing pergola with integrated seat was built to give a more intimate area for the couple to enjoy the sunset. Both structures provided height and perspective, making the garden appear much larger.
The paved area was placed across the whole rear length of the site and allowed for great views of the garden from inside the house and easy access from the current French doors and future additional access planned.
Following the brief, planting consisted of a palette of hot colours- the reds, yellows and oranges of red hot poker, helenium, rudbeckia, geum, coreopsis and crocosmia. Exotic-looking foliage including fatsia, palms and cordyline gave structure and colour, with grasses of varying heights providing movement and infill.
Scented climbers, wisteria, jasmines and honeysuckle were among the plants used to clothe the structures, including trellis panels which disguised the garden shed.
The planting heights were carefully planned starting with low-growing perennials and structural plants which gradually increased in size, following the shape of the border to and surrounding the feature seat. This provided
occupants with a feeling of seclusion and privacy. Slightly paler colours were used in the rear border which again gives the illusion of depth. Bespoke timber raised beds were planted with herbs and lavender to further encourage wildlife into the garden. A number of plants from the client's front garden including a beautiful dusky mauve hydrangea and a variety of hostas were also incorporated into the design.
A single stemmed and a multi-stemmed Tibetan cherry tree were planted amongst coloured stemmed acers providing winter colour against the grey painted rear fence. The pops of mauve and lilac from the lavender and agapanthus gave some coolness to counter balance the hotter colours. Finally, a new handmade fence and gate provided the privacy needed to complete the garden.
A sensational sunshine garden!
