Garden Design - Laingdon Hills SS16
As the large house windows and conservatory give such an unfettered view of the garden, this design seeks to create an aesthetically pleasing solution to an odd-shaped space, providing plenty to see while allowing the client ample opportunity for dining and entertaining.
A series of decking patios, laid with attractive and durable Balau hardwood boards, will be linked by decked walkways to create seating areas in different parts of the garden, giving versatility to the space and enabling the client to make maximum use of the sunshine throughout the day and seasons. The board direction will be alternated to add interest to the design, while a series of rectangular 'cut-outs' filled with decorative glass mulch will add to the contemporary, 'designed' feel of the space.
A large decked patio in the top left corner of the garden will serve as the main dining/entertaining area. An open pergola structure, constructed from Balau posts and beams to match the decking, will give this area a semi-enclosed feel, with removable coloured perspex screens helping to create a sense of privacy without impeding the view to the rest of the garden.
Extra interest will be created with the inclusion of a stunning stainless steel water feature, with an acrylic central panel across which the water flows echoing the perspex screens in the pergola structure. Placed just outside the front of the conservatory so that it is easily viewed from both inside and out, this feature is sure to create an arresting talking-point on any occasion.
Planting in the space will be simple and low-maintenance. Tall and willowy bamboo will mask the back fence and shed, with architectural phormium and flowing grasses giving a uniform, contemporary feel to the rest of the soft landscaping. The existing cordyline will be re-located to the back left-hand corner.
The garden will be complete with a lighting scheme selected to maximise the architectural elements of the design. Subtle lighting within each of the glass-filled decking cut-outs will create a 'runway' effect to guide one through the space, while stainless steel spotlights on each of the four corner posts of the pergola will provide ample lighting for dining and entertaining. The water feature will be up-lit by two stainless steel spotlights, to throw a gently undulating light across the space. Finally, a series of low-voltage spots placed throughout the planting beds will give the garden a gentle wash of light while serving to highlight individual specimen plants.