DESIGN APPROACH
This small garden in Alexandra Palace had fallen on hard times. A narrow, chequered tiled patio provided little space for entertaining. Off the patio, there was a retaining wall, but no steps, which meant that the young family had no access to the upper level of the garden. The fencing had started to collapse and, most importantly, with so little planting and overgrown grass the whole garden was quite uninviting.
The transformation was simple but impactful, although to get the stunning result, you wouldn’t believe that the team had to start by digging out five skips-worth of clay! This meant that the patio area could be extended out, using stylish porcelain paving, to provide more space to fit in an outdoor sofa as well as a dining set.
New fencing and a trellis were added, providing a prettier boundary to look at, which is important for smaller gardens. New raised beds were built with brick, which hugged the edges of the garden and allowed for new planting to be added. When it came to choosing plants and shrubs, my clients decided on a ‘cottage style’ including Lavender, Hydrangeas, Verbena, Peonies, Heuchera, Convulvus, Salvias and many more.
Finally the family could have easy access into the upper garden and a brand-new grassy area via a set of smart steps, created with bull-nosed porcelain paving. And the finishing touch – a simple lighting plan added dramatic impact, illuminating the planting and providing a warm glow to the garden come the evening.
Lighting
Subtle lighting makes such an impact. During the autumn/winter months the lighting softly illuminates the planting and provides a warm glow to the garden. Add a firepit and during those late summer evenings with a glass of wine, what a way to spend time in the garden.
Collaborators:
Clay pavers: London Stone
Porcelain: London Stone
Composite boards: Envirobuild
Plants: Evergreen Nursery