the garden on levels

The garden was mainly laid to lawn with a mature and well maintained yew hedge running the full length of the southern boundary. The driveway crossing across the upper and lower lawns prevented the garden feeling like a private space.  The rear patio space was dark and uninviting primarily because it was north facing. The clients wanted to turn this area into an extention of their kitchen in the summer with areas for growing vegetables and herbs around the back of the garage where there was plenty of afternoon and evening sun.

 A complete garden survey was undertaken including a levels survey. Three concept plans were created changing the location of the driveway and enabling easy access to the bottom of the garden. Mood boards were also created to enable the clients to see how each aspect of the design could look. Overall the clients went with the second design although they chose in the end to keep the pond nearer the house therefore not needing the path down to the bottom.

The driveway was widened at the top, giving space to turn cars from the garage area, this then freed up the former drive space dividing the upper and lower lawn. A sleeper retaining wall was installed in place of the crumbling brick wall, and a new sun terrace created from the main living area of the house, with steps down to the lower lawn where a new pond had been installed. The tarmac driveway was broken up and a replacement gravel drive installed edged with granite setts to retain the gravel. A new patio area was created outside the kitchen, with trellis for planting and raised beds for a kitchen garden, with the overall effect being a much brighter and more welcoming outdoor dining area.