An urban garden for a couple wanting a space to entertain and relax outdoors, requiring relatively low maintenance. Converted in sections from a historic building and grounds, the garden is exposed to a mix of full sun and deep shade. 

Outline plan

Drawn at 1:50 @ A1

Perspective impression of the view from the dining terrace through the pergola to the fireplace

Hand-coloured, 1:50 @ A1

Photo close-up (more accurate for colour)

Key features

• Limestone random rectangular paving, jointed with a mortar designed to minimise weed establishment.
• Path edging and junctions in clay brick, colour-matched to reflect the period of the house.
• Close to the house, Mediterranean-style aromatic shrubs and perennials tolerate sunshine and dry soil in Summer. Shade-tolerant planting to the North- and East-facing walls provides a lush woodland feel and a screen from the urban surroundings.
• A rectangular dining area accommodates up to 6 people; from here, a pergola leads to a raised outdoor sitting room, with timber benches, a fireplace and storage.
• Raised beds to three sides of the dining and seating areas create a sense of enclosure and privacy.
• A covered arbour provides a quiet retreat, with a viewpoint across the circular patio to the entrance, and a sneak-through to the seating area. Climbing plants soften the exterior and grow over an arch at the entrance to the circle.
• Slatted fencing around the top of the 1.5m boundary wall supports climbers, providing privacy whilst allowing through light and breeze.
• A water feature in the centre of the garden creates subtle sound, reflection and movement, and attracts birds and beneficial insects.
• Contemporary garden sculptures are positioned at three key viewpoints, keeping the focus within the garden.

Planting scheme

The concept for this garden was for a muted colour palette of green, copper and ivory. All plants were required to have more than one season of interest, and to be relatively easy to maintain once established. Although they are separated into shady and sunny groups below, many of the plants chosen tolerate both partial shade and full sun. 

Click thumbnails to view full size image gallery

Trees & large shrubs

Magnolia, acer and amelanchier; viburnum, osmanthus and dog rose.

The shady borders

Hydrangeas, lungwort, snowdrops, yew and box, ferns, lady's mantle and grasses.

The sunny borders

Philadelphus, veronicastrum, lysimachia, hellebores, santolina, fuchsias, geraniums, thalictrum.