Mediterranean Style Garden in Rayleigh

Brief

The property has been the client’s family home for many years, in which they raised their now grown up children. Although they have enjoyed the large garden through the years, they now feel that it looks a bit tired and uninspiring. They would like a complete makeover for the entire space, which should include a memorial area.

Solution

The area directly adjoining the house will feature a large patio installed flush with the back door. The patio will be laid with Mint Fossil sandstone in a random pattern and will provide ample space for a garden table and chairs for alfresco dining, plus provision for a bbq. To the left of the patio the existing fence will be clad in with exterior cement board and painted Mediterranean blue.

The existing raised bed will be replaced with railway sleepers and planted with three of the client’s existing cypresses.To the right hand side of the main paving will be a step up to a smaller patio area laid with clay pavers in a herringbone pattern. This area will be enclosed by raised beds containing memorial roses, and benefit from garden benches and a Corten steel bowl water feature, to create a secluded area for quiet contemplation.

The lawn will be retained in the central section of the garden, with a sandstone path running the length of the space on the left hand side.The path will step up to a small sandstone patio at the rear of the garden, which will be enclosed by a timber pergola with decorative slatted panels, over which the existing wisteria will be trained.

A stepping stone pathway will lead through deep planting beds to a bespoke climbing structure, featuring a swing and overhead monkey bars, at the back of the space. The back left corner of the garden will accommodate a potting shed, and the existing railwaysleeper raised beds in the back right corner will be extended and replanted.

The existing fences all round will be painted navy blue, to offset a yellow, white and purple Mediterranean-style planting scheme