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Private garden transformation, from an unloved overgrown space to a low maintenance contemporary design

Private garden transformation, from an unloved overgrown space to a low maintenance contemporary design

Tuesday 15th May 2018

The client wanted a low maintenance garden with a modern feel. The existing garden was unloved with a lot of existing paths concealed under the overgrown grass and planting, a rotten asbestos covered dilapidated garage and broken greenhouse. The second half of the garden was never used and it was not being used to its full potential, which due to its south/east aspect enjoyed full sun most of the day.
3 designs were shown and the client decided the circle/geometric design fitted their brief well. 4 of the 5 established trees were kept, to retain a feeling of height. A large granite paved patio was designed round the side and rear of the house and new bi-fold dining doors suggested, to make full use of this area for morning sun. Raised beds were added to give privacy in time, as the planting gets further established.
Easily maintained new circular lawns with grey block paver edging creating a border between the grass and dark grey gravel curved path. This wanders through the garden and encourages people to walk right through to the rear and onto a new feature decked area, complete with sensory planting, base lighting and relaxed seating, to catch the late afternoon/evening sunshine.
Compost bins were retained and moved to the far left, away from the house and concealed by clever feature evergreen hedging and recycled cut down tree log edging. Existing and new fences were painted grey for a modern finish, which gives a contrast back drop to the colourful planting in front. Cedar feature panelling was added to the patio area to give a warm contemporary feel.
Cycle and log stores were added to the side of the house, with easy access to the house side kitchen door. Architectural feature planting was used, with 90% evergreen for year round colour. One of the 4 raised beds included edible herb planting and the client will grow vegetables in this area.
Weed membrane and pale grey gravel were added everywhere else, to give a low maintenance, easy access base with a modern look. This also took into account the gardens heavy clay soil which was prone to standing water, gravel allowing water to slowly soak away. Ground planting was in clusters of low growing conifers, grasses and lavenders. Large feature pots with bamboos and standard trees complete the planting. Scottish large boulders add texture, colour and give a hint to the clients Scottish roots.
Spike lights were included in all the raised beds, to under-light feature plants. Mini spotlights were drilled into both sides of the patio raised beds and decking base, to allow different lighting options when entertaining and using this finished garden.