Garden Design - Greenwich, London SE10
The main focus of the space will be a seating area in the top right corner consisting of an L-shaped fixed bench backed by an L-shaped raised bed, plus a freestanding square table and several cube stools. The bench will benefit from arm rests at each end and will be framed on either side by low planters containing quirky 'Buxus sempervirens'. Table, seats, planters and raised bed will all be constructed from sturdy new railway sleepers. Flooring in this area will consist of Chinese natural slate in a formal lay pattern edged with rectangular granite setts laid in a single 'soldier' course (i.e. laid side to side rather than end to end.) Further ornamentation in this area will come from the addition of three vertical railway sleepers, standing like monoliths within the raised beds.
Flooring in the remainder of the space is divided between an area of artificial turf with horizontal sunken railway sleeper edging, and ornamental paving directly outside the back door consisting of a series of sunken railway sleepers of decreasing lengths interspersed with a decorative aggregate (client to choose) and occasional granite setts.
Planting in the space will consist of subtle ferns and big glossy leaves, with a flush bed running along the back of the house and along the left boundary. The walls of the adjoining houses will be adorned with a variety of climbers, whilst succulent 'Fatsia japonica' and a variety of ferns, including 'Dicksonia antarctica' (tree fern) will give the garden a soft jungle feel .
Lighting will give the garden a nocturnal lease of life. Two bollards placed either side of the back door will mark the entrance to the space. The seating area will be illuminated with 3 x 240v spotlights mounted on the upright railway sleeper within the beds, allowing one to continue entertaining when the sun goes down. The rest of the garden will benefit from gentle ambient lighting provided by a series of low voltage spotlights set within the beds. The fences along both boundaries will be replaced and the wall along the end boundary will be patched where necessary along its top two courses.