Garden Design Idea:

We get inspired by all sorts of things when it comes to design. For this garden design idea, I was inspired by a Buddhist’s robe from around 1800. Ideal for a small London garden design, this design features sumptuous textures across the whole space.

Textures

The series of circles are interconnected by decking walkways which echoes symmetrical patterns within the fabric. The first circle is made from pebble mosaic. This deeply textured surface could either be set into concrete, a pre-bought a product or a loose aggregate depending on your budget. Aged sandstone setts makes a clear and deeply textured surface suitable for patio furniture, sun loungers or simply as an area directly outside the back door.

The central circle features three specimen Acer trees planted in a triangle and it is surrounded by a gravel aggregate again, another garden design idea, echoing the deep textures in the robe. The circle to the top right of the space is a wall mounted water feature with a spout. This creates a real courtyard garden feel and the senses are stimulated by the running water. This is particularly useful in the plot where there is ambient noise such as traffic or a school playground. The last circle is a paved sandstone circle, this would be suitable for entertaining or relaxing and the finished surface could be sandstone, slate or any other hard standing paving.

Planting

The planting here can be can feature highly textured plants such as Stipa Gigantea, Buxus Sempervirens balls, Santolina Chamaecyparissus and other planting combinations where their juxtaposition creates a dynamic impact. Great plants for adding textures include Allium ‘Red Mohican’, Deschampsia Cespitosa ‘Goldschleier’, Pennisetum ‘Karley Rose’, Hostas and other large leaf varierties. Muted colours dominate on the scheme, the straw light colour from grasses, the deep green from the buxus balls and the feathery line leaves of an Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Sunset’. Bees all complement the chosen hard landscaping materials which in turn echo the textures woven into the fabric.