Garden Design - Hackney, London E9
Once across the decking bridge the space will open into a further large area of decking in the bottom third of the garden. This will feature four bespoke galvanised steel chairs with flip top lids, which can be positioned anywhere in this space to provide occasional seating. In the centre of this space will be an area for the client to house a hot tub spa (possibly sunken).
Four large Trachycarpus fortuneii, towering at 8ft high, will be placed at the corners of the hot tub area. These evergreen specimens will not only provide a strong tropical look for the garden, but will serve to impart a feeling of enclosure and will provide the supports for a canvas 'sand' sail which could be stretched across the spa to form a roof when shade or privacy is desired. Two long lime green planters will give screening from the waterfront, and narrow flush beds will run round the other three walls.
The garden will be squared off at the bottom by the addition of a block wall rendered and painted aubergine to provide a strong block of colour for the garden. Tucked away behind this wall will be a 'dog loo' for the new family member to use, with the entrance to this area via an opening in the left hand side of the wall. The fence down the right hand side of the space will be clad in galvanised steel sheets, giving an industrial and contemporary feel to the space as well as disguising the existing fence.
The planting will be strong and simple. Big specimen architectural plants will dominate alongside plum leafed spiky phormiums and cordylines. Grasses will give motion to the space. Dramatic 'Black Parrot' tulips and 'Black Irises' will contrast with arum lilies to bring elegance and grace to the scheme. Agapanthus will take the stage once the spring flowers have died back and offset the sand grasses and strong plum foliage. A crushed shell mulch will provide the final finish and tie all areas of the garden together.
To compete the design, a variety of lighting will be included to create a visual cornucopia when the sun goes down. The decking will feature sunken lights, strategically placed to light key areas, and will be given extra definition with an edging of rope lights. Strong spot lights in the main beds will illuminate the architectural planting to its best advantage, while creating an overall wash to the garden. The spa area will include parasol rope lights hanging from the four Trachycarpus, that can easily be stretched underneath the parasol sail to provide gentle, magical illumination to the spa. Finally, four stainless steel downlighters will be used to illuminate the bed running along the end wall.