Garden Design - Clerkenwell, London N1
The main focal point in the garden would take the form of a large circular paved area. Sizeable enough to accommodate a dining table and chairs, it would be situated so that it is surrounded by flush beds around the majority of its circumference. The colouring of the stone - a light, golden sand - will help to create the illusion of space, and will also serve to lighten an otherwise fairly shaded area.
An area of decking, adjoining the house and running the width of the garden, will provide an attractive material contrast to the paving. Where it runs over the existing sunken area, the framework would be supported on stilts. This will allow the decking to run on one continuous level and provides a simple and effective solution to the problem area. The circular theme of the design will be echoed here by cutting the exposed edge of the decking into a gentle curve.
The paved and decked areas will be separated by a large, sunken, butyl lined pool. This will be bridged by a decked walkway cutting into the main area of decking at a 90° angle. Two 'mini geysers', produced by submerged pond pumps, will frame the walkway, one on either side, to create a soothing and restful water feature.
Planting in the space concentrates principally on foliage and form, making use of large, bold, architectural specimens with a simple and elegant white colour palette.
The left of the space will house plants suitable for semi-shaded areas, including three tree ferns of varied heights, other feathery leaved foliage, and the versatile white flowering Clematis armandii. To the right of the space we will see various white flowering plants, including climbers such as evergreen Clematis and Wisteria. Planting around the water feature would including graceful Zantasica and Hosta.