This Highgate house had a medium-sized walled garden which was laid largely to grass with overgrown, inward-leaning shrubs around the edge. This had the effect of making the garden seem smaller and darker. There was also a small wildlife pond which was in a poor state and a trampoline sunk into the grass. Whilst open and sunny in many areas, the garden also had some damp and muddy patches, particularly at the south end where the grass struggled to grow. As the children are now older, the owners were keen to have the garden redesigned so that it became a relaxed but ‘grown-up' space in keeping with the house. They were keen to keep some fruit trees and to redo the pond so it was more attractive, but still able to be used by wildlife. They liked the modern use of perennials and grasses in planting, but other than that were open to design suggestions.
Before
The garden before: little structure, over hanging shrubs around the edge and largely grass.
Design Solutions
The garden was in need of a radical restructure in order to inject interest and beauty into it. Plants and items like the hot tub were placed in a rather random manner and a solution needed to be found to make the shadier end of the garden attractive and usable. The existing patio areas were too narrow and this, together with the long raised planter outside the lovely glass fronted kitchen, meant the garden and the house didn't feel united. There were two levels in the garden but they were joined by a languid slope that gave little interest and didn't make use of the level change visually.
After
A number of design features were employed to transform this garden space. Being bold and clearing the walls of all the old vegetation was a vital first step to open the garden up and reveal the lovely surrounding walls. The walls gave the garden strong boundaries and made for a perfect backdrop to a new more formal structure within it. The walls have been softened by large Jackson's trellis squares at regular intervals covered with evergreen and deciduous flowering climbers. Box cubes and shade-tolerant perennial planting are planted at the base of the wall to counterpoint the trellis.
The garden was broadly divided into three areas which correspond to the views across the garden from the house. The level change within the garden was also given structure and interest using paving and steps. This formalising of the level change improves the appearance of the garden and gives the opportunity to include a blade water feature.
The first section of the garden is opposite the glass walled kitchen and was the space prone to being muddy as it was shaded by the boundary wall. This area was therefore laid with a self binding gravel surface which has both a formal beauty and is usable in all weathers. Two multi-stemmed small trees are planted here, with a bench for sitting and the space edged with cobblestone detailing, which is echoed throughout the garden. The existing patio by the kitchen is extended to bring it into the garden properly.
The second area contains the re-sited pond, centre stage in the garden with accompanying paving, stepping stones, rectangular flower beds and a rill which highlights the longitudinal axis in the design. This formality is softened by the use of lush naturalistic planting within the beds using a mixture of Box balls, grasses and perennials which will give interest throughout the year. This area is overlooked from the living room and a patio immediately outside. This patio was again also widened to integrate it better within the garden. An armillary sundial in the far bed draws the eye across the pond and stepping stones into the garden.
The third and final area contains five fruit trees which are under-planted with a wildflower meadow which also contains naturalising bulbs. This more informal area is furthest from the house and the trees help soften the high walls of the church which abuts the garden. The meadow has a central incursion of normal turf which allows for a bench to be placed among the trees and wildflowers with a view down the whole garden. Both grass areas are finished with cobble detailing which both helps demarcate them whilst also linking the whole garden together. With its succession of blossom, flowers and fruits, this more relaxed area will be a joy to sit in and will encourage wildlife into the garden and pond.
Construction by Belderbos Landscapes Ltd http://www.belderbos.co.uk
The garden was broadly divided into three areas which correspond to the views across the garden from the house. The level change within the garden was also given structure and interest using paving and steps. This formalising of the level change improves the appearance of the garden and gives the opportunity to include a blade water feature.
The first section of the garden is opposite the glass walled kitchen and was the space prone to being muddy as it was shaded by the boundary wall. This area was therefore laid with a self binding gravel surface which has both a formal beauty and is usable in all weathers. Two multi-stemmed small trees are planted here, with a bench for sitting and the space edged with cobblestone detailing, which is echoed throughout the garden. The existing patio by the kitchen is extended to bring it into the garden properly.
The second area contains the re-sited pond, centre stage in the garden with accompanying paving, stepping stones, rectangular flower beds and a rill which highlights the longitudinal axis in the design. This formality is softened by the use of lush naturalistic planting within the beds using a mixture of Box balls, grasses and perennials which will give interest throughout the year. This area is overlooked from the living room and a patio immediately outside. This patio was again also widened to integrate it better within the garden. An armillary sundial in the far bed draws the eye across the pond and stepping stones into the garden.
The third and final area contains five fruit trees which are under-planted with a wildflower meadow which also contains naturalising bulbs. This more informal area is furthest from the house and the trees help soften the high walls of the church which abuts the garden. The meadow has a central incursion of normal turf which allows for a bench to be placed among the trees and wildflowers with a view down the whole garden. Both grass areas are finished with cobble detailing which both helps demarcate them whilst also linking the whole garden together. With its succession of blossom, flowers and fruits, this more relaxed area will be a joy to sit in and will encourage wildlife into the garden and pond.
Construction by Belderbos Landscapes Ltd http://www.belderbos.co.uk