Before:

...and after.

Before:

...and after.

Project A:

Site :  Small rear garden of newly built townhouse.

Challenge :  Poor lawn dominated by large oak tree and a high fence, but  little privacy.  Existing patio at 1m below garden level and almost triangular in shape.  No rear access. Plot 5.2m x 12m approx.

Client :  Time-poor young mother with a love of entertaining, experienced plants-woman.

Design Brief :  Modern design with clean lines, no lawn, space for entertaining, plants with deep red flowers, dark red and acid green foliage.

Design Details : A formal design was developed.  The view through to open farmland was framed with a simple black slatted curved fence.  The fences were painted with an Aqua wood-stain.  Contemporary charcoal grey edgings lined the paths and cream gravel was chosen as it shows up well at night.  Plants included Acers, black bamboo, and a variety of climbers, evergreens and herbaceous perennials.

Client Reaction : It's fantastic, I never thought it could look so good!

Before:                                                                                

After:

Project B :

Site : Quaint old cottage, very limited rear access backing on to stream.  Large existing wooden deck not fully finished.  Steeply sloped.

Challenge : Steeply sloped poor lawn, difficult to mow and uncomfortable to move about on due to lack of level ground.

Client : Young professional with little gardening knowledge and a demanding job.

Design Brief : Low maintenance garden with a cottage, courtyard feel, attractive to wildlife, access to stream and a sense of journey and escape.

Design Details : The existing deck was used to set the shape for a level area with an arbour reached by steps.  A walkway from this 'courtyard' area led to an access point to a storage area created beneath the deck, enclosed by wooden gates.  A further flat area with a bench then led to steps down to a final level (from here a ladder could be used to access the pebble beach  of the stream. 

 The level changes were achieved using railway sleepers, the paths and courtyard were made of weathered grey paving and shingle.  A coral bark Acer planted near the deck will in time partially screen the deck from the courtyard.  A black bamboo at the base of the deck will also provide tactile foliage up at deck level and emphasise the feeling of the deck being up in the 'canopy'. 

Client Reaction : You've exceeded all my expectations, I can't thank you enough.

Before:           

After:

Project C :

Site :  Rear garden of 1940s detached house, greatly reduced in size having had a large segment given over to a building development.

Client : Retired couple.

Challenge : Very awkward shaped site, sloped sections, large area of fence, garden dominated by two new houses.

Design Brief : No lawn, ease of maintenance consideration, access to shed, drying area for washing, lots of shrubs trees and grasses.

Design details : A circular patio of concrete riven slabs (pre-formed to reduce costs) was built in the widest flat area of the garden, sweeping gravel paths were formed and edged with square terracotta cobbles. 

 Three Himalayan Silver Birches act as a focal point between the house and garage from the front of the house.  They provide a screen from the new houses and partially divide the garden along its longest axis.   

  A variety of trees, shrubs (mostly evergreen), climbers ( including clematis, garrya and honeysuckle), evergreen perennials (saxifrages, ferns, , hellebores), grasses (Stipas, Carex, Miscanthus) and bulbs were planted. Client Reaction : Many thanks for a magnificent job!

Before:

After:

Project D:

Site: Overgrown area adjacent to pond

Challenge: Plot 5m x 8m approx, heavy clay, damp all year round due to a natural spring, very heavy clay soil.

Client: Retired Couple, resident for many years in their 1970s home, keen to be ou in the garden

Design Brief: Opening up the adjacent area to an established pond and replanting for interest and to encourage birds.

Design Details: Plants able to cope with a damp site were arranged to provide some screening to the rear boundary. A seat was incorporated for quiet reflection by the pond.

Client Reaction: We are really pleased, we never would have thought of a seat! The planting has established so well. (Two months later)

Before:

After: