Garden Design - Epping, Essex CM16
The Brief
This space was completely unusable as a result of a failed landscaping attempt by the previous occupants.
Extensive ground work was necessary in order to level the space, including the redistribution of a very large mound of earth from the middle of the garden.
There was a summer house in the bottom right of the space, which was structurally sound but in need of cosmetic renovation - during construction it was decided that the building should be removed. The client's brief was fairly open and simple: to create a space for entertaining and social dining which compliments the decorative style of the house interior.
The Solution
The design divides the garden into several distinct areas, helping to impart the illusion of space and create a sense of intrigue. The first area is open and floored with natural slate tile, multi hued with tones of dark and light grey and rust colours.
Leading from this area is a flush decking walkway, bridging a sunken black lined pool and flanked on both sides by railway sleeper raised beds mounted with gargoyle water spouts.
The sleeper beds continue down the space, flanking a large area of decking over which towers a bespoke wooden pergola, giving the space added height and a strong sense of drama. The pergola encloses a long, wide, heavy table and bench seating, constructed from sturdy sleepers to create an imposing focal point to the space. Overhead, a custom-made chandelier planted with ivy adds to the garden's medieval atmosphere.
A second decked walkway runs from the central decked area over a second sunken pool to a slate paved area at the bottom of the garden. The raised beds themselves are packed with evergreen shrubs and flowering perennials, with a dramatic and slightly gothic planting palette of black and white, softened with interspersed leafy greens.