HIS AND HERS GARDEN DESIGN IN VAUXHALL

Brief

This large garden is in a conservation area and requires some sympathetic updating/improvements in keeping with the area and style of the property. There is an existing garden office building at the rear of the space and the area surrounding this structure has already been partially landscaped with the inclusion of a sandstone patio and hardwood timber pergola. There are also several established mature trees which the client would like to retain. The new design should include provision for vegetable growing, a patio closer to the house to make the most of the sunniest part of the garden, and a lawn area that is as ‘dog proof’ as possible.

Solution

This garden needs to be in keeping with the style and period of the property. Adjoining the house will be a patio laid with Yorkstone in a random pattern. A path comprising clay pavers or bricks laid in herringbone pattern will zigzag down the garden, bisecting the existing patio to the rear of the garden. In order to increase the usability of the space by both residents of the property, the space underneath the existing Magnolia accommodate a large patio enclosed by timber pergola, partially screened on two sides with decorative panels to aid privacy. Along a third side of the pergola will be a timber clad storage unit. To the right of the herringbone path will be a series of three tank planters containing agapanthus and three Cyprus skyrockets planted into the ground, to divide the area belonging to the upstairs occupants of the property from the rest of the space. This will also help to create a sense of privacy to the sunny area in the bottom right-hand corner of the garden. A concrete block raised bed tiled with green glazed Metro tiles will feature an olive tree and be underplanted with herbs.

There will be three small lawn areas towards the back of the space, laid with hardy turf to make them as dog-proof as possible. Planting in the rear sections of the garden will feature tropical architectural specimens, as a contrast to the more cottage-garden scheme closer to the house.