Garden Design - Kennington, London SE11
This design creates a chic yet usable space, combining style with versatility to allow a variety of entertaining possibilities.
The space will feature a series of square and rectangular decking platforms of various sizes that leads one on a journey of discovery through the space. Starting at ground level in the side return directly adjoining the house, each subsequent platform will be raised slightly above the next, creating an exciting sense of varied levels and helping to create the illusion of a host of distinct areas to the garden. All the platforms will be decked with attractive, dark-maroon, South American Massaranduba hardwood boards, grooved or ridged (client can specify) for safety in wet weather.
The varied sizes and shapes of the platforms will allow for a wide range of uses, with larger platforms suitable for dining, BBQ or sculptural seating, interlinked by longer, thinner decking walkways. Each platform and walkway will feature one or more tall brushed steel zinc planters, each containing a striking Phormium 'Phatts Black', to create a sense of repetition and contemporary elegance.
A strong architectural focal point to the space will be provided by the walkway crossing the middle of the space. Steel re-enforcing mesh will used here to create a simple yet highly effective 'cage' tunnel, through which a variety of climbers will be encouraged to grow.
The right hand wall will be painted a deep sensuous shade of aubergine and will back a slightly larger platform which would be an ideal site for a sculptural chair or seat for one or tw0 people to enjoy. The end of the space will feature steps down to an area of artificial turf, edged with a flush level decking frame, to provide a secluded area suitable for a whole host of possibilities including relaxing, reading, sleeping, etc.
Planting in the space will be simple and striking, featuring a combination of Iris and Alliums for a stunning spring scheme, while graceful Stipa Gigantica, Eremus, Crocosmia and Verbena bonaries will take centre stage during the summer months. Climbers on the cage tunnel and the wall will comprise Akebia, Clematis and Honeysuckle.
The garden will be complete with the addition of a lighting scheme combines playfulness with simplicity. Spotlights on the back of the house will allow the main dining area to be bathed in light, while LED deck lights on the risers of each step will help guide the user safely through the space, The cage tunnel in the middle of the garden will be adorned with fairy lights, while rope lights sited underneath the visible edges of the walkways and platforms will help create the illusion that the platforms float after the sun goes down. Further spotlights on the right hand wall will illuminate the platform towards the back of the space. The artificial lawn will be framed by micro LED lights set into the surface of the decking edging. Low voltage spotlights throughout the planted beds serve both to created a gentle overall wash and highlight individual specimen plants.