THE STARTING POINT:

A huge conifer took up over a quarter of the garden, totally dominating the space, a dilapidated shed, broken down raised beds at the end of the garden and depilated shed, did not exactly entice you out into the garden, along with the dreading bins in full view and a small uneven grassed area did not make an ideal spot for relaxing on wobbly seats.

The fences surrounding this area were all different styles and colours and various states of repair, making the garden feel small and disjointed.

THE TRANSFORMATION:

Both the conifer and shed were removed to open up the garden, immediately making the garden feel more spacious and letting the sun stream into the garden.

The pale golden colour palette was used for materials around the garden, a pale golden oak for the new fencing all around the garden to replace the mismatched existing fencing – creating sense of unity around the garden.  A lovely pale golden stone for paving and walls – so reflecting the colour palette used inside.

The access gate was moved to the  back of the garden and a section of the garden screened off , at  the back of the garden to create a utility space in the garden and home for the bins – now completely out of sight.

Creating a striking focal point in the garden is now an impressive raised bed in one corner, at its centre a striking multi-stemmed Silver Birch underplanted with meadow like planting of ornamental grasses and flowering perennials and bulbs for year round interest, which provides privacy from overlooking neighbours.

Subtle lighting, set into the planting casts beautiful shadows after dark and provides a welcoming ambient light, to extend the gardens use after dark.

By taking out the clutter and removing the scruffy lawn, this garden is now a welcoming, light, spacious garden, the subtle lighting casting lovely shadows and enables the garden to be used after dark.