We started work in 2016 on a project for great clients who were extending their home into an already steeply banked garden.  The new house design, by Heighway Associates Architects, was beautiful and the garden needed to reflect the style of the fabulous interiors. 

The garden had a steep slope close to the house which would increase as the extended house cut into the garden.  A height of 2m needed to be absorbed within the first 3.2m of the house.  The brief was to allow maximum light to the house while offering as much open entertaining and living space to the garden as possible.  The garden needed to offer a low maintenance, clean-lined, contemporary style that provided the family and their 3 teenagers the space to entertain friends and family day and night.  The planting is to include a cutting garden and be minimalist with favoured plants including Hydrangea, roses, alliums, dahlias, ferns, agapanthus, in calm colours from whites to pinks to blues and purples. Yes grasses, but not a meadow. 

Despite the challenge set by the terrain we included an outdoor kitchen, built in seating, a calm upper garden, an outdoor cinema, all beautifully lit and planted for year round enjoyment.

The photos below show the before, the plan (2016 SketchUp skills!), the apocalyptic destruction needed before the re-build could begin and then the wettest planting day ever undertaken as we worked through all weathers to make sure the garden was ready for a party.

Client reference

"We were very lucky to have involved Tania right from the start of the planning of our house extension and overhaul of a challenging uphill garden, over a 3-year period her advice has been invaluable at every stage. She listened to our requirements and came up with a choice of imaginative but practical designs, we're extremely happy with our new garden. She is very professional to deal with, answers queries promptly and always comes up with a solution! We absolutely recommend using Your Lovely Garden."

Mrs Jones, Marlow