| Site
Description:
A large stone and brick, Edwardian terraced house, with
a slightly sloping west facing garden mainly laid to grass.
Enclosed all around by walls, including an imposing 4.5m
high brick one. Existing features included a small concrete
paved area at the rear, a timber deck area beside the
kitchen, a small leaky shed at the rear of the garden
and a small timber pergola (covered by existing wisteria)
with a timber storage bin beneath. A neighbour's varigated
Norway Maple tree cast shade on one side with overhanging
branches.
The
Brief:
The clients wanted a child friendly garden with
some lawn, more planting interest and a new terrace area
to take advantage of morning and midday sun. They also
needed lots of secure storage to house numerous bikes,
tools and garden items.
The Design:
A garden with bold architectural structures.
A large bespoke timber shed with cedar roof shingles was
integrated into the shadiest part of the garden against
the high wall.
Two garden levels were created using oak sleepers as retaining
walls; Some
lawn area was retained, but most was replaced with attractive
stone paving to reduce maintenance and provide additional
terrace areas and a practical pathway for bike access
to the back gate. The neighbour's tree was pruned by a
tree surgeon to reduce shade. An oak pergola areplaced
the old structure (saving the established wisteria).
Finally lighting provided a fourth dimension, transforming
the garden at night - with elegant copper lights on the
pergola, accent lights in the plants and a discreet step
light for safety.
Planting
A
mix of plants was used for the sunny and shady areas,
including striking architectural bamboos, a tree fern
and miscanthus (for beautiful autumn/winter interest).
Shrubs include: ceanothus, skimmia and lavender as well
as an interesting mix of perennials such as geraniums,
hostas, ferns, sedums, hemerocallis and iris. Numerous
climbers will clothe the boundary walls in time such as
Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus henryana), honeysuckles, clematis,
golden hop and the dramatic large leaved Vitis coignetiae
(Crimson Glory Vine).
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