This Essex Garden Design takes inspiration from 1960s motifs, seeking to divide the garden into three separate areas with a recurringz circular theme throughout. Flooring in the space will take the form of three interconnected rectangular sections.
Each section will be edged with black limestone setts laid in a stretcher pattern (end-to-end) and will contain a mixture of black limestone paved circles and hoggin circles of various sizes, to create an ornate and visually stimulating  focal point to the garden. Each circle will be edged with black limestone setts to create clear definition to the design. The space around the limestone and hoggin circles will be planted with creeping thyme, that will spread to over time to create a soft sea of colour and fragrance around the hard surface areas. The paved areas will also benefit from three stunning stainless steel sphere water features (3 different sizes). Each sphere will be installed with a black sett circle edge to surround and finished with a mulch of blue glass chips around its base. The garden will be given a sense of privacy  and intrigue with the addition of 6 bespoke  screens installed at intervals around the patio  areas. Constructed from blue perspex panels installed on timber posts, these screens will create an impressive and colourful backdrop to the space.

The timber pergola will be given additional screening with a series of funky ’70s disco-inspired hangings installed on the overhead beams. The pergola will further benefit from a suspended 60s styled rattan ball chair.

Lush, tropical planting will help screen the garden from the houses beyond. A large cordyline australis in a tall zinc planted will take pride of place in the centre of the large hoggin circle. Three 80cm box balls will continue the circular theme through the planting beds, interspersed with tall grasses and a selection of herbaceous perennials.

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 This London Garden Design for Greenwich we put together for a client back in 2007. Sadly it was never commissioned for a build as they subsequently moved abroad. Here it sees the light of day as this months featured garden.

The entrance to the main garden will be framed by two rendered block raised beds constructed at right angles to each other and painted to a colour of the client’s choice.

These beds will each feature a decorative screen constructed from a four inch oak frame with coloured Perspex inlay (client to choose colour), while an imposing, chunky oak timber arch constructed between the two beds will create an impressive entrance to the space.

The arch will lead directly to a black granite sett pathway which doglegs around a central lawn. To the left, a long and impressive decorative screen, comprising oak frames with alternating Perspex and rusted iron mesh inlays, will separate the main garden from the children’s area. The children’s area itself will consist of a large area of luxury artificial lawn and a bespoke blackboard installed on the left hand wall.

The pathway will continue around the garden to an oak decking futon-style feature seat with armrests and a high 2m back. This feature seat will offer ample space for 2 –3 people to relax and socialise and will benefit from an air dried oak pergola to provide shade on a sunny day. Optional weatherproof cushions in a colour of the clients choice would provide added comfort to this laid back area.

From the pergola/feature seat, the path will continue down the right hand side of the space to join the the main seating area. This will consist of a square section of oak decking, laid in a diagonal pattern and edged with black limestone setts. A simple yet stunning oak cube structure, designed to reflect the shape of the glass cube extension to the house, will enclose this deck and create an imposing focal point to the space.

This structure will offer opportunity to add a shade sail, fabric hangings and other decorative panels, to add  colour, privacy and shelter under which to dine.

Diagonally to the right of the main deck area, in the corner nearest the garage, a smaller section of decking will house a bespoke bar. Constructed from rendered blocks (painted a colour of the client’s choice) with a decked counter top, this bar will be complemented by three tall oak bar stools. The back of the bar will be left open to allow the client to install a sink and outdoor fridge if desired. A backlit Perspex panel will adorn the wall behind the bar to add a splash of colour, while the client could install various bar ephemera along the garage wall at a later date if desired. The Perspex panel could be printed with an optional pattern or image of the clients choice. The front edge of the lawn will offer the ideal spot to house a sculpture to be added at a later date. 

Planting in the space will be bold with a predominately green and white scheme. Four large cordyline australis will feature in zinc planters, while climbers will adorn the mesh screens and boundary walls. Hardy evergreen coupled with showy herbaceous perennials are sure to guarantee year round interest.

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Another  early project from Earth Designs, this month featuring a Garden Design in Chingford.

The space is a tired and overgrown garden in need of a little breath of fresh air. Although the clients enjoys gardening, they do not want a space that requires a great deal of maintenance. The clients would like to create an appealing vista from the windows, and have requested an area for dining and the retention of some lawn in the design. There are some attractive established plants in the space which need a little TLC in order to restore them to glory.

The circular garden design has been based on a series of circular areas, conjoined by a rolling, curved brick block path. Access to the garden from the house will be afforded by the construction of a set of slate clad steps. These steps will lead to a natural slate crazy paved circle (the first of two), enclosed around the majority of its circumference by dense woodland planting. There is a rare and exciting opportunity to work with a variety of forest plants in this part of the space, due to both the acidic soil and the shady aspect of the area. The choice of planting will give a closely-packed sea of green, which will provide an attractive frame to the view from the kitchen window.

From this area a block path will meander down the space, creating a woodland walk through leafy ferns and lush Rhododendrons. The path will be constructed from reclaimed London Stock bricks, laid out in a stretcher bond pattern in which the joints have been in-filled with grass seed. The path will pass under a series of wooden archways as we approach the second area of the garden, which will feature a brick edged circle of turf. This will be encircled by hardy shrubs and flowering perennials. This area will offer a space in which to sunbathe and relax whilst enjoying the feeling of safety, privacy and enclosure that the planting scheme affords

The path will continue down the space, past a secluded area containing a wooden bench framed with a wooden arch over which a scented climber will be trained. After passing through a second series of wooden archways, the path will open out into the second (larger) slate circle. Flanked by the tiered, curved walls of raised beds running up the space, this slate circle will become the main area for dining and entertaining. The raised beds themselves will be packed with fragrant herbs and other planting delights, and will enclose a several terraced, slate paved, steps leading up to the concrete utility area at the end of the garden. This area will be masked from view with a screen and purpose built gate

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This design seeks to create a contemporary, low maintenance space suitable for alfresco entertaining and relaxation. Simple, clean lines combined with bespoke features give the garden a stylish, uncomplicated feel with a strong sense of privacy and seclusion.

The space will be cleared, with all planting, raised bed and paving removed. The garden will be decked throughout with attractive and durable Iroko hardwood boards, selected with specifications to match the existing raised platform above. Steps will be constructed on the left hand side of the space to lead down to a smaller section of decking outside the french windows below. For safety, balustrade to match that on the platform above will be constructed along the exposed edge of the decking, as per the design, with a metal gate installed at the top of the steps to assure additional safety for the clients child.

An aquamarine painted rendered block wall one metre high will retain a raised bed running across the back of the space. This bed will be planted with a variety of strong architectural specimens, such as willowy blue grasses and sculptural allium, and will feature a series of thick, tall bamboo poles set vertically at intervals across the space. Further planting will be provided along both side walls in the form of six zinc planters containing tall, elegant Cypressa sempervirens (three per wall).

The left and right boundary walls will be extended upwards to a height approximately 1.5 metres above the level of the main terrace. The additional courses will be rendered and the entire boundary painted aquamarine to match the raised bed. A solid, 2 metre high fence constructed from 4 inch thick split bamboo pole will be installed along the top of both walls, to create a high boundary for maximum privacy.

Entertainment possibilities will be provided with the installation of impressive bespoke solid oak seating and matching table. This will comprise a  three metre long suspended bench fixed centrally along the raised bed wall, complimented by a 2.75 metre long by 50cm wide bench table and three 50cm solid oak cubes.

Finally, an atmospheric lighting scheme will allow the client to enjoy the space long into the summer evenings. The raised bed will be gently illuminated by a series of low voltage spotlights situated throughout the planting, giving a soft glow to the back of the space, while serving to highlight individual specimen plants. The suspended bench seat will be framed by two stylish glass block lights fixed to the top of the raised bed wall, while two similar wall mounted block lights affixed to the front of the existing decked platform will impart a gentle wash to the decking below. The existing decked stairs will be illuminated by eye-catching rope lighting running along the underside of each step. To complete the scheme, each potted Cypressa will be lit from behind by a single stainless steel up/down lighter secured to the bamboo fence.

SPECIFICATIONS:

PLANTING LIST:

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This design is based on a Regency, rococo-style drawing room, taking inspiration from the architecture of the house.

The white wall at the foot of the balcony stairs will be repainted and the existing York stone paving in the area directly adjoining the house will be cleaned with a pressure washer. The main body of the garden will feature paving laid in a ‘Regency Stripe’ motif, comprising random-lay ‘Mint Fossil’ sandstone slabs inlaid at 1 metre intervals with diagonal lines of 10cm x 15cm black limestone setts.

The paving will be enclosed with a low (15cm x 1m) raised bed running  around the boundary. The front of this bed will be clad with an exterior Regency-style skirting board, which will be painted a colour of the client’s choice. Planting will include a variety of climbers to adorn the boundary walls, big, blousy traditional English flowers, such as roses and peonies, with bay tree pyramids down each side bed to offer symmetry to the space.

The main garden will benefit from a suite of bespoke European Oak feature seats, inspired by Regency furniture with a modern slant. Designed with a variety of uses in mind, from relaxation and entertainment to home-working, the furniture will  comprise a large 4-poster style day bed, plus two saloon-style double chairs, also in the four-poster style. All seats will   come complete with all-weather cushions and a weatherproof chandelier suspended from it’s cross beam. The saloon chairs will also benefit from wide central armrests to allow the client to place a laptop for outdoor working on pleasant summer days. All three freestanding structures will measure 2 metres high and feature 60cm high (above the seat) vertical cladding to create the impression of wooden panelling in a Regency drawing room. A long, low coffee table will complete the suite. Flowering and scented climbers will be planted in cut-outs in the paving behind each seat to slowly create a canopy over the four-poster structures over time.

The entrance to the main garden will be framed by two stunning bespoke water features. Each feature will comprise a 2m high x 1m wide oak timber frame into which a set of weatherproof picture frames of various sizes will be suspended. A decorative feeder system, consisting of copper pipe and copper funnels, will run from the top of each frame to the bottom, with a series of 90 degree turns allowing the pipe work to dog-leg across the timber frame and through the decorative picture frames as it does so. The copper feeder pipes will empty into a raised brick-built pond constructed in front of each oak frame, to create a unique and eye-catching focal point the garden

The back bed will feature three 2m x 1m oak timber frames, onto which will be mounted perspex screens printed with images inspired by a Regency ‘Print Room’ on a damask wallpaper background, to create an elegant and unusual backdrop to the garden. The white painted wall in the lower area will be adorned with a series of Foamex panels printed with a picture frame motifs containing images of the client’s choice.

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This design will transform the garden into a simple yet stylish outdoor room, splitting the space into several distinct areas with an emphasis on entertainment, play and relaxation.

Directly adjoining the house will be a large paved patio, laid with elegant Travertine paving in a ‘stretcher’ pattern. This patio will be bordered on two sides by an L-shaped raised bed constructed from sturdy railway sleepers. Measuring 1m high by 1m deep, this raised bed will form the back to an L-shaped fixed bench, also constructed from sturdy railway sleepers. The shorter length of fixed bench will be fixed to the bench without legs using strong stainless steel rods, while the longer, heavier bench will have legs for support. A set of cubed stools and chunky coffee-style table will complement the bench to create an informal seating area.

The raised bed will extend across the width of the garden providing a clear demarcation between this initial ‘room’ and the garden beyond. A 1m wide gap in the bed will allow access to the second part of the space. This entrance will form a bespoke water feature comprising a fibreglass grill over a sunken rill, fed from either side by a stainless steel water blade mounted on the end of the two sections of raised bed. The central section of the garden will comprise a lush green artificial lawn bisected with a railway sleeper edged flush bed. Travertine stepping stones running through the lawn will lead the user through the space.

In the bottom left corner of the space, a large bespoke pergola, constructed from treated softwood timber and stained to match the railway sleeper beds, will provide shade and privacy to a second seating area.

This area will benefit from a Travertine patio and will house two sets of chocolate brown weatherproof wicker furniture, comprising low slung sofas with waterproof cushions and glass-topped wicker tables for informal dining and entertaining.

The planting scheme will reflect the simplicity and style of the garden, utilising a refined selection of evergreen box, spiky phormium and shapely ‘Skyrocket’ conifer. Seasonal colour and scent will be provided by lavender, coneflowers and red hot poker plants, whilst a variety of evergreen climbers with staggered flowering times will adorn the fences with colour and interest throughout the year.

SPECIFICATION:

PLANTING LIST:

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The user will enter the garden from the proposed extension and step out onto a sandstone ellipse patio.  A winding  hoggin pathway will curve up the left hand side of the garden, snaking around a large elliptical lawn in the middle section of the space.  The lawn area will feature an eye-catching, large stainless steel ball water feature, installed in the ground to the left  of the hoggin path. This water feature will sit within a bed of creeping thyme, beyond which a sea of decorative aggregate inlaid with individual European Oak decking boards will radiate out towards the pathway to produce an ornamental, ‘sun-beam’ effect.

Flush level planting beds will surround the oval lawn, planted with a variety of stunning cordylines and phormiums to create a dynamic structure this section of the space. Fragrance and colour will be provided with a selection of lavender hedges, creeping thyme and flowering perennials.

Two curved feature walls, rendered and painted a colour of the client’s choice, will stand proud within the beds at either side of the lawn. The feature wall in front if the entrance to the second section will provide an effective and attractive screen between the two sections of the garden, adding a sense of intrigue and privacy to the space. The hoggin pathway will give way to a decking pathway, laid with attractive and durable European Oak smooth planed decking, behind this feature wall that will curve around an oval shaped artificial lawn in the second section of the space.

The second section of garden will benefit from three ellipse patios, each constructed from decking to match the curved path,  constructed at juxtaposed angles to each other to form enticing opportunities for seating in this cloistered area.  To enhance the atmosphere of adventure and discovery in the second section of the garden, planting will be in large-leaved evergreens and plush perennials to create a lush exotic feel. Suitable shade loving planting will provide a layer of ground cover beneath the canopy of the large existing tree, while the planting will be particularly dense around the third decking ellipse in the top left corner of the space to create a secluded, secret ‘den’ feeling to this area.

SPECIFICATIONS:

PLANTING LIST:

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This East London garden design seeks to improve the usability and appearance of this large family garden without fundamentally altering the layout of the space.   Emphasis has been placed on entertaining opportunities, making use of terracing and platforms to combat the slope in the main section of the garden.

The existing paving on the upper terrace adjoining the house will be removed. To the right of the conservatory, and continuing along the sideway to the gate, the paving will be replaced with stylish and elegant Travertine tiles in a formal, ‘grid’ pattern.

This flooring will continue down the existing steps to the main garden and terminate in a small section of Travertine in front of the existing toilet building. The exposed face of the terrace front wall will be rendered and painted white.

To the left of the conservatory the paving will be replaced with a large decked patio, laid with attractive and durable Yellow Balau hardwood timber boards. This patio will extend out into the garden beyond the existing terrace and will feature two decorative inlays of Travertine paving.

Long, deep terraced steps will allow access to the lower garden, leading to a circular lawn in the centre of the space and a long Travertine pathway edged with decking running down the left-hand side of the garden.

The pathway will dog-leg to the right between two low rendered block raised beds and continue across the rear of the garden to terminate in a raised deck platform in the bottom right corner. This platform will be backed by a high L-shaped raised bed, constructed from concrete block, rendered and painted. The decked platform will benefit from an L-shaped ‘suspended’ bench seat, constructed from sturdy new railway sleepers and fixed to the front of the raised bed, plus a railway sleeper table and four railway sleeper cube stools. Terraced steps will lead from the platform to the lawn below. A second pathway, comprised of metre square decking ‘stepping stones’ set within a cobble path, will lead the user back up the right hand side of the garden to the paving adjoining the outside toilet block.

Planting will provide year-round interest with architectural evergreen shrubs and decorative perennial flowers to contrast with the green backdrop provided by the surrounding conifers. A bespoke trellis, constructed from a series of stainless steel tension wires installed vertically between timber posts on the boundary wall down the left hand sideway, will provide an anchor for a variety of climbers.

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This Highbury garden design creates a clean, simple and stylish space. Entering the garden from the kitchen door, a mint fossil sandstone path, bordered with a planting trim on either side, will lead the user up the side return to join the garden proper.

The main garden will feature a small mint fossil sandstone patio, laid in a traditional ‘stretcher’ pattern (in the style of an English brick wall), adjoining the house. A decking pathway (for which the client’s existing deck boards will be re-used) will run up the left hand side of the space and terminate in a large rectangular patio in the top right corner.

The path will bisect a strip of decorative red stone mulch. A stainless steel water blade will be fixed to the rear boundary wall at one end of the decorative stone strip, from which water will cascade into a pebble pool below. The water blade itself will be backlit with red led lights to turn the feature into a nocturnal focal point.

A stunning, chunky timber structure constructed over the patio in the right hand corner of the space will add height and drama to the garden, and will benefit from a rectangular canvas shade sail to allow comfortable dining and relaxation on hot summer days.

The centre of the garden will feature a bespoke seat-cum-fire pit nestled within the main planting bed. This will comprise a firebrick lined ‘pit’ surrounded by a sandstone topped rendered block bench seat.

The planting palette will be lush lime and dark greens, contrasted with bold red foliage and flowers. Four tapering red planters containing large Cordyline Australis will create a framework to the space, screening off areas and adding a sense of division and intrigue as the user walks along the decking path. A tree fern will provide height and a dramatic sculptural backdrop to the firepit

SPECIFICATIONS:

PLANTING LIST:

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