This new build property originally consisted of a sloping lawn in poor condition and a very small shaded patio which offered little practical use. Urban Gardener was tasked with bringing some life and interest into the garden by creating planted borders, multiple dining areas, spaces to relax and areas for the grandchildren and dogs to play.
The key to this design was understanding how to overcome the sloping lawn that dominated the relatively small space. Urban Gardener's solution to this challenge was to divide the space into a series of boxes constructed from timber sleepers. This innovative box-style design is the result of having to maximise the budget in order to meet all the requirements of the brief. The patio area was significantly enlarged and is covered by a simple pergola, making this a wonderful space to dine in. The retaining wall required to extend the patio area provides an excellent opportunity to install a raised planter and helps with linking the different areas together. Plant choices were important throughout the space – a mixture of grasses provide height and movement; a range of Hosta and Lavender give a luxurious, more formal touch; Wisteria will adorn the pergola; larger evergreen shrubs like Griselinia, Ceanothus and climbing Clematis will provide an attractive and low maintenance screen in years to come. Towards the edges of the garden, small trees are planted into a wildflower meadow turf, inviting a range of beneficial birds and insects into the garden. Nearest the house, the plants are all edible, fragrant and colourful.
Urban Gardener has utilised hoggin or self-binding gravel as an attractive, cost effective solid surface throughout the garden. A mix of sand, gravel & clay, hoggin provides a permeable surface that is easily maintained and is a great alternative to paving or turf lawn if, like our client, you only want a small lawn to maintain and you have pets regularly making use of the facilities/garden! The client intends to site a summerhouse in the far corner of the garden, so hoggin offers a great solid base for this or for garden furniture and potted plants in the meantime.