An overgrown garden in Howe Green – tidying and redesigning
Brief
This untidy garden in Howe Green was in need of a total transformation. The unusual-shaped wrap around garden was messy and unmanageable, so Earth Designs was drafted in to re-design the unkempt garden into a family space that everyone could enjoy.
The clients recently moved to this large house in Howe Green, but have rarely used the garden due to its unusual layout and unkempt appearance.
The rear boundary is in need of replacement but the existing shed is sound and can be retained. It is an unusual shaped plot which wraps around two sides of the house, and the new design should create a sense of unity and coherence between the separate areas.
The new layout should include a children’s play area and provision for the adults to relax and entertain. Although the clients would like to include a small lawn, the overall design should be offer a low maintenance solution. The front garden should be attractive and practical with provision for car parking, a bike store, bin store and new wall with railings.
Solution
The new design is based on a recurring curved and circular motif. The left-hand section of the garden adjoining the patio doors will feature a sandstone patio in a random lay pattern, which will curve around a large circle of artificial lawn to the side gate. A curved raised bed will retain the existing soil around the side boundary opposite the patio doors.
A sandstone paved circle will wrap around the corner of the house using a 3/4 of the slabs.
The existing shed will be relocated to the top left corner of the garden, with access provided by a curved sandstone path running from the circular patio adjoining the house.
The right hand section of the garden will include a wide rectangular hardwood deck stretching from the conservatory door to the rear boundary. The deck-boards will continue up the fence to create the illusion of depth. The decking will be large enough accommodate a dining table and chairs or a couple of sun loungers. A curved path will run from the decking to a large circular sandstone patio close to the right hand boundary. This patio will be positioned to make the most of the sun throughout the day.
This scheme will make use of both natural and man-made materials, including sandstone paving, artificial grass for easy maintenance and fibreglass planters.
The existing fences will be painted in rich dark grey Cuprinol Garden Shades to create a stylish and luxurious backdrop to the planting scheme.
Two curved fibreglass planters, one at 40cm and one 60cm high, will be installed in planting beds around the circular patio to add height and structure to the space.
The planters are available in a large range of colours, however Earth Designs recommends a warm aubergine purple. These colours will remain throughout the garden in the planting scheme too.
The existing eucalyptus will remain and three evergreen pleached trees planted along the right hand boundary will add height and privacy to the space.
The rest of the planting scheme will use easy to maintain plants in tones of deep purple and more aubergines, plus whites as well as evergreen plants for year-round colour.
