Garden Design - Hainault, Essex RM6
The Brief
The space is situated in a relatively new house on an estate built in the 1990s. It has good, sound fences, a large grassed area, and a paved area, which the client has requested should remain. There is also a large Greek-style BBQ situated on the patio area. Apart from this the site is a blank canvas. The soil is heavy and clay rich, which may prove difficult to work with and is somewhat limiting to the choice of foliage.
The Solution
The design will follow a Mediterranean theme, using hardy architectural plants, tropical palms and Mediterranean foliage with a plum, vivid orange and warm yellow planting palette. To improve drainage and help the plants establish themselves, the soil will be conditioned and deep treated. The lawn will be sculpted and reduced in size, used as a decorative feature rather than a carpeting spread. Raised beds will be built around the space and painted white to add to the Mediterranean feel of the space. A square decked area, enclosed within the beds and lawn, will offer an intimate and stylish seating and dining area and will help create the sense of a 'room in the garden'.
Gravel aggregate will be used in selected places to add diversity to the texture of the space and will be placed with cobbles and pebbles to create a layered effect. These areas will have the added bonus of giving wintertime interest to the garden. Bark mulch will be used on the raised bed, helping to reduce maintenance and watering frequency of the soil, and creating an attractive background to the planting. Several pathways will be laid through the garden, giving a feeling of choice, and adding an air of interest and intrigue. Authentic Greek pots and urns will tie the Mediterranean theme together and add a touch of style and flair to the final product. The final touch will be achieved with the addition of topiary balls placed around the space - being evergreen, these will also provide constant interest, even in the depths of winter.