Our client wanted to transform the stark space outside – into a garden to chill out and relax,  a private haven to  escape from the hustle and bustle of  life.

They wanted a chic contemporary space, with bold and colourful planting to be able to enjoy  using it, throughout the year and also into the evenings.

THE STARTING POINT:

The garden is on two levels, with decking on both, some very sad planting in one corner on the upper level.  The focal point of the garden was the brick wall across the back of the garden, unfortunately it was not a lovely aged mellow wall, but very patchy wall, which included a bricked up window, which ‘looked’ into the garden, not a space that drew you in.

THE TRANSFORMATION:

Permission was obtained from the owners of the building backing on to our client’s garden to render the scruffy brick wall that forms the rear boundary of the garden, painted a crisp white, the striking black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) planted in front has now transformed the drab wall into a striking back drop and focal point of the garden.

Raised beds around the deck invite you to perch amongst the plants and lighting placed on the wall amongst the bamboo, creates wonderful shadows on the wall, as well as inviting you an  to linger in the garden long into the evening.

The lower level has been paved to create a dining terrace, surrounded by  Tree Ferns planted in the new raised bed that runs along the boundary, provide a lovely private space to enjoy an alfresco meal in privacy.

A blank, featureless and uninviting space has been transformed into a chic contemporary courtyard with a dramatic backdrop and orientally inspired planting –  a place to  party or a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of busy lives.