Case Studies / A Narrow Garden of Angles.

  • A low quality timber decking and formula ballustrate visibly fences off the stream and rest of the garden.

    Before

  • An inaccessible but lovely garden feature. Beautiful York stone slabs used as edging will be removed and used in a sunken terrace.

    Before

  • The garden conditions are difficult - sloping, narrow and shady.

    Before

  • A long narrow space turns a full ninety degrees and produces more of the same. Very awkward!

    Before

  • Brick retainers and steps built to lower terrace using reclaimed York stone from stream edging.

    During works

  • Construction of lower terrace and retaining wall for seating area.

    During works

  • Relaxing and dining space opened up to make a feature of the stream.

    Finished garden

  • Existing red stained decking replaced with reclaimed oak boards, with bespoke post and rail surround. Hazel hurdles and large faux lead containers planted with neat evergreen Osmanthus. Other planting by client.

    Finished garden

  • Reclaimed oak decking turns a beautiful silver grey accentuating the reclaimed brickwork.

    Finished garden

  • Planting must cope with low light levels. The corner now becomes a focal point with bespoke pergola and clients own art work centred within.

    Finished garden

  • A bespoke green oak corner pergola leads the visitor around the awkward corner. The shade patio will feature outdoor sofas and a fire brazier.

    Finished garden

  • Shady walkway towards new extended terrace suntrap.

    Finished garden

About the property:

Lincolnshire village garden. Newly built bungalow built on an “L” shaped plot, previously used as a walkway, linking a boarding school with its accommodation.

The garden had limited width. Directly to the rear of the dwelling a small stream dissected the small open space and was put down to utility decking.  The remainder of the garden was banked and flanked with large trees with ‘Tree Protection Orders’ (TPO’s) placed on them.  A  ninety degree turn left meant half of the garden was lost from view, with no compelling need to visit it.

The effect was narrow, dark and gloomy, a real challenge. However,  mature trees, the stream and the quirky layout gave this garden a chance to be totally unique.

Client brief:

Create a sunny dining space, make a greater feature of the stream, link deck area with the shaded woodland strip and unite the unusual shaped garden.

Works:

The level area behind the house was increased and retained, access to the stream was opened up by the addition of a sunken terrace.

The utility decking was removed and replaced with the beautiful patina of aged oak boards, which did not fight with the shade of  brickwork.

The narrow shady woodland area benefited from a wide simple path running to an oak corner pergola with a focal point piece of artwork situated to be viewed from both approaches.

A small terrace linked to the pergola gave a sheltered woodland shade terrace, a perfect site for an autumnal brazier.

Withing the woodland area, sympathetic structural native shrubs and groundcover with a long season of interest were chosen for their suitability and low maintenance values.

Plants within the terraced areas were planted by the client.