Outdoor room

The brief:

The garden represented the only view from the main living areas so it was important that it was looking at it’s best day and night. The old paving was breaking up and new stable surfaces were required. The client wanted more wildlife in the garden and enjoyed the sound of running water.

The solution:

The dimensions of the garden were tiny so it was really important to make every square inch count! Decking and boardwalks were installed at an angle to reduce the linear aspect of the site. Heavy Oak timber was used in the construction of a rustic pergola and for it’s hard wearing properties in the deck. Various benches and a small Indian Sandstone patio were built to offer a variety of seating options. A high bespoke fence was built to give privacy and painted a deep charcoal to offer a striking backdrop for the planting.

A large scale outdoor mirror was attached to the rear wall to create an illusion of space. The sound of running water was introduced with water flowing over a monolith and waterfall into a small fishpond. The planting was selected for its tranquil character and included Ferns, Camellia and Maples. Subtle low voltage brings the garden alive at night!

The result:

A complete little landscape to look out on and enjoy day or night…

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Water Garden

The brief:

The house has a stunning location on the edge of a lake. However the existing garden was bare lawn with extensive decking. The client wanted something that would draw people into the garden, offer places to look out over the lake and introduce more of the water element to their outdoor environment.

The solution:

The lawn was removed completely to devote the entire space to this dynamic new landscape. The existing decking was remodeled and the area reduced with the excess timber generated being recycled in the new decks. A stream was designed that started as a naturalised spring/waterfall and after flowing in a sinuous path poured into a pond in front of the house. A series of hardwood decks and boardwalks were constructed over the stream to provide elevated access and viewing platforms. Built-in timber seating on the furthest deck was built as an ideal spot to catch the late afternoon sun and enjoy a glass of wine. The planting is quite Oriental to compliment the existing fisherman statue, and consists of Maples, ferns, palms and other attractive structural planting.

The result:

A very appealing space to be in! The whole of the garden resounds with the sound and flavour of the stream. Each deck offers a fresh perspective, be it of the pond, a bend of the stream or a view over the lake. As the trees and shrubs grow they will further soften and enhance, creating secluded areas and framing the views.

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Courtyard Garden

The brief:

This garden had lost it’s will to live! All the paving and fencing had ‘done their dash’ and the plants were definitely ‘past their sell by date’. 
The client really wanted an appealing space to compliment the home. A place to unwind, have barbecue’s, entertain friends and connect the house to the garden.

The solution:

A series of raised beds were constructed to frame the entertainment area. This served the dual purpose of providing attractive broad walls to sit on and also elevated the beds for improved drainage and ease of access. As the fencing was shared by three neighbors, it was decided that cladding the fencing in Brushwood matting would create a cohesive attractive backdrop. A central elevated water feature offers a wonderful focal point while creating a natural relaxing sound to drown out traffic noise. A raised hardwood boardwalk connects the house to the patio through a bed of Lavender, Iceberg Roses and scented Star Jasmine.

The result:

This is a little gem of a garden. It offers a cosy intimate space but will handle larger parties if required. The fragrance of the flowers and soft sound of running water combined with subtle lighting in the evening makes it a magical space to be in.

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Esher home (Rear Garden)

The brief:

The existing garden was very dated and not in keeping with the strong lines of the architecture. Being in a low lying area, water logging was a constant problem. The only seating option was a small mossy patio so more entertainment options were required. The existing configuration was frustrating because the garden was generally quite inaccessible. Many of the plants were conifers and it was felt that it would be good to introduce some more dynamic varieties with greater seasonal interest. The old garden beds occupied a central position with the lawn squeezed around the edges so the request was made to open the garden up with more lawn space for children to play in.

The solution:

The garden was stripped and redesigned along far simpler more flowing lines. (See plan in the front garden gallery.) Large decks were constructed to wrap around the house connecting the house to the lawn and also leading onto an extensive granite terrace. The whole site was re modeled with substantial ground works and massive quantities of topsoil to create a wonderful sense of contouring in the lawns and beds. An extensive drainage system was installed to move ground water in the wet season. Masses of submerged weathered limestone rocks were unearthed and incorporated into an extensive stream system with waterfalls and a lawn ‘bridge’. Moisture loving plants such as Ferns, Gunnera were introduced along with many Rhododendrons, Acers and other woodland varieties. The planting relies on massed placement of limited plant varieties repeated over big bed areas.

The result:

The result is a very tranquil space which offers extensive outdoor entertainment options, large lawns for children to play on and beautiful themed planting as a backdrop. The garden has a far more cohesive, practical feel and the lawns compliment the bed shapes very effectivly.

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Esher home (Front Garden)

The brief:

The Client felt that the garden was due for a drastic overhaul as the existing plants were tired and overgrown. The layout was not working, the garden was totally overlooked from the road, there was insufficient parking area and there was no obvious path from the driveway to the front door. The driveway and hard surfaces were in need of redesigning and resurfacing with a more contemporary texture and the beds needed to be rethought completely.

The solution:

The area was stripped of all smaller shrubs leaving the magnificent Oak and some peripheral screening trees. Many tons of topsoil were brought in to contour the beds and create an ‘amphitheater ’ effect to the bed when viewed from the house. The driveway was reshaped (see plan) with bold sweeping curves and a clear path was constructed connecting the driveway to the front door. Retaining walls were built to allow for the differences in elevation and the paths were clad in granite to compliment the new limestone driveway. The planting consisted of mass plantings of architectural Tree ferns and other shade tolerant shrubs and ground covers. A small bed adjacent to the front door was planted in a structured design of standard Roses, Lavenders and Box hedging to provide a welcoming display for guests. 

The result:

The result is a stunning contemporary garden with a spacious sweeping driveway, clear clean paths and retaining walls and wonderful woodland planting under the canopy of the Oak tree. The small sunny front door bed gives a cheerful seasonal display.

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Worcester Park Back Garden

The brief:

The client felt that the garden was depressing and out of control. They wanted me to create something practical yet unusual and exotic . A sanctuary from the hectic pace of life.

The solution:

The property had an awkward slope and was too small to allow any real sense of mystery. A retaining wall created a level area for a patio, forming a transition from the house to the garden. The remainder of the garden consists of a series of deck ‘Lily Pads’ that ‘float’ up the slope. These decks act as viewing platforms, a sundeck and a spa surround. They are interconnected by sleeper bridges that span a small stream. The water is pumped from a base pond up to a waterfall before winding back down the slope. The planting consists of Palms, tree ferns, Yuccas and other lovely form plants that will grow to create a wonderful space to escape to.

The result:

March 2009 - “I can’t begin to tell you how much we love our garden! It’s good for the soul. Last night we sat out there with snacks and wine. We were warmed by the fire pit and lit the garden with oil lamps. It looked like something out of Africa and the stream is so soothing. This morning we had breakfast out there, and the sound of the stream and the birds is the perfect way to start the day.”

© Second Nature Landscapes 2009 - Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Freelance Craft CMS Developer

Surbiton Garden

The brief:

The client had inherited a rather frumpy old garden, cluttered with an odd assortment of paved surfaces and disjointed flower beds. They wanted to transform the area into a more usable space with simple elegant planting, large practical entertainment areas and a large lawn for the children.

The solution:

The garden was completely gutted before the levels could be finalised and the soil aerated with the aid of a rotary hoe. A new Indian Sandstone patio was constructed with a built in peripheral planter. An ample lawn dominates the central space and is edged with aluminium for ease of maintenance. Wide borders of beds have been created and give a clean contemporary feel. The style of the planting enhances the simple elegant look, with repeating themes of Plumb coloured Japanese Maples interspersed with Trachycarpus palms and Silver Astelia. A mass planting of Pachysandra groundcover throughout the planting gives a cohesive effect to the design, and Crocrosmia bulbs add splashes of colour.

The result:

The garden has become a family friendly space. It has an open sunny feel with a lovely entertainment area and a low maintenance garden that is appealing throughout the year.

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Kingston Garden

The brief:

The garden was completely overgrown and impractical. The children’s trampoline was unsightly and no amount of tidying seemed to make any difference… Help!

The solution:

As the property was small it had to be carefully designed to accommodate all the different family requirements. The construction of screens projecting from either side allowed the division of the space into a series of ‘outdoor rooms’. The first room was a patio allowing flow from the house to the garden. This cosy space is now great for ‘al fresco’ dining. The second room is the garden proper, with a tidy lawn contained in a classic brick edging.  The planting is structured which adds to the architectural flavour, and the beds are easy to maintain. The final set of screens lead to the third room which is a utility area. A shed is cleverly hidden behind one screen, while compost bins and the trampoline are neatly stored behind the other.

The result:

The garden fulfils all its requirements so that all members of the family have their needs met. It makes the garden a pleasure to be in!

© Second Nature Landscapes 2009 - Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Freelance Craft CMS Developer