Garden Design - Clapham Junction, London SW11
This design features a series of square and rectangular decking walkways of various dimensions, leading one on a journey of discovery through the space. Starting on the right hand side of the space adjoining the existing decked patio (from which the balustrade will be removed), a short walkway will lead to a left turn into a second walkway enclosed by a rusted mesh 'cage'. This in turn will lead to a second caged walkway which takes the user to a large rectangular decking patio towards the end of the space. This patio will feature a seating area, suitable for dining and entertaining, comprising a large l-shaped fixed bench, freestanding table and four cube-shaped stools, all constructed from sturdy and attractive new railway sleepers. The l-shaped bench will be framed on either side with cubed planters, also constructed from new railway sleepers and planted . From the top left of the seating area a final decking walkway will lead to the existing gate in the back wall of the garden. All new decking will be in grooved softwood boards chosen to match the existing decking as closely as possible. Both new and existing boards will be stained a colour of the client's choice for uniformity throughout the space.
One of the main focal points of the design will be a large stainless steel wall water feature, standing in a planting bed to the left hand side of the first caged walkway. This stunning feature, measuring 1830mm high x 355mm wide, will be the first thing that catches a visitors eye as they enter the garden from the house.
Planting within the space will consist of a cottage-style planting scheme interspersed with architectural specimens to give form and structure throughout the year. Evergreen shrubs and herbaceous perennials will nestle between spring and summer flowering plants for seasonal colour and interest. Flowering climbers will be trained over the rusty cages to gradually envelop them over time. The existing raised bed at the bottom of the garden will remain and be planted in a similar scheme to the rest of the space.
The garden will be complete with the addition of an ambient lighting scheme combining playfulness with simplicity. The cage tunnels will be adorned with fairy lights, while rope lights sited underneath the visible edges of the un-caged walkways will guide the user down the space when the sun goes down. Finally, low voltage spotlights throughout the planted beds serve both to created a gentle overall wash and highlight individual specimen plants.