Project Description
Modern Japanese Garden Design North London
GARDEN DESIGN NORTH LONDON
BRIEF
The clients have lived in a number of properties over the past few years and have always enjoyed working with a garden designer to achieve the garden they desire. They recently had their basement developed in their latest property to include a large family space which is the most utilised space in the house. Their attentions then turned to the garden. They had recently had their boundary wall re-built and had undertaken some ad hoc landscaping, including the installation of granite aggregate and planting, but felt it was time to overhaul the whole space. The client is quite a keen gardener and enjoys horticultural pursuits in her spare time.
The overhanging mulberry tree from next door causes issues with berries dropping on and staining the lower terrace and part of the brief was to consider some solutions for this in the final design
DESCRIPTION
The garden was loosely based on Japanese landscaping utilising simple lines and repetitive patterns. A paved area directly at the top of the terrace allows option for a table and chairs to be placed on it for formal dining. Two pathways lead off from this area. The first leads to a structure in the left of the space, directly beneath the mulberry bush. This features a paved area comprising a combination of travertine and granite sets to provide a slick contemporary base. Enclosing this is a timber structure including an integral table and two benches, which provides further opportunity for al fresco dining. The structure is partially covered with a timber and stainless steel mesh roof to prevent the mulberry bush berries marking the table. Two sides of the structure have alcove shelving to help create the impression of an outdoors room as well as giving a nod towards the Japanese theme. Illuminated globo lights suspended from the roof of the structure add drama and illuminate the space at night. The sphere motif is repeated elsewhere in the garden.
The second pathway from the main terrace leads down the garden, via a box hedge edged planting bed containing a specimen acer, and then over a sunken water feature pool covered with a walk-over metal grill. Fed at one end by a water blade mounted onto a rendered wall, this provides another dramatic element to the space.
The centre of the garden features an offset rectangle of lawn edged in black granite setts, with a trio of sandstone balls, globo lights and box balls at each corner continuing the spherical theme.
The pathway continues diagonally down the garden where the clients existing terracotta statues are positioned across the space as a focal point. A second box edged planting bed featuring a specimen acer marks the dog leg of the pathway to a second patio area at the bottom of the garden. This patio is ideally placed to catch the last of the afternoon sun. Earth Designs suggests a sofa style seating arrangement.
Adjoining this patio is a raised vegetable planter positioned for the clients children to have a go at ‘grow your own’.
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With our years of experience working on a variety of gardens both locally and nationally, we can offer a specialised, tailored design including Small Garden, Rooftop Garden, Ornamental Garden, Modern Garden, Cottage Garden, Formal Garden, Contemporary Garden, Courtyard Garden, Japanese Garden and Mediterranean Garden Design.
“ We had stared out at our large but uninspiring garden for over 5 years so we were very excited to finally sort it out! We could not have had more inclement winter during the construction but the Earth Designs team battled it out. The design is lovely – crisp and bright and we are thrilled with the result. I still pause on the landing to stare and wonder why we waited so long! ”
7 Years later
“ Katrina and Matt transformed my garden in 2012 and it continues to develop and give me joy seven years later ”
