HAMPSTEAD

Flow Down

BRIEF

This garden is set over two levels with the rear raised level not providing much use and a tall dominating wall at the rear which had to be disguised made into more of a feature or toned down. Our clients love plants and needed space to grow a wider range of unusual and interesting plants and shrubs. The garden had a small lawn that easily became waterlogged and the option to remove it was open to debate. An area to dine and work from home outside was also requested.

SOLUTION

The existing retaining walls were removed and the levels pushed back allowing for more useable space immediately outside the kitchen. This allowed the space to become three zones and created a journey through the garden using soft curves. The area for dining and working from home outside was designed as a built-in circular bench and table with sockets beneath the bench to charge laptops and a cantilever parasol that would allow the space to be used in strong sun or light rain. The main area is open and flexible allowing views of the planting from the kitchen windows and space to move armchairs around as the sun moves as well as some open space for children to play. The upper level of the garden has a small set of steps that take you to a bespoke storage unit and potting bench before opening up into a large herbaceous border with 2 envelope water features and climbing roses that will scale the wall over the coming years providing colour and fragrance.

OUTCOME

Removing a small lawn is always a difficult choice for clients however the abundance of additional planting softens the edges of the hardscape as well as scaling down the large rear wall. Paint colours were selected to flow into the brick paving and through the planting palette giving a strong amount of depth and flow to the overall scheme. The garden is a sanctuary that provides space for busy professionals with just the right amount of gardening to take on without feeling overwhelmed.