A problem part of a large country garden

When this house was converted from two cottages it needed an equally large garage.  When the garage was built it created an unexceptional space which was primarily a yard, paved with concrete slabs, with an uncompromising mound at the opposite end to the house.

The present owners wanted a much more decorative space with some herbs, easily maintained planting and a couple of places to sit and enjoy a quiet moment with a coffee and a good book.  They still wanted it to be mostly hard landscaping and at the same time wished to have safe access to the stunning views from the top of the mound and to the gateway leading to their neighbours.

The area - before

The area - after 1 year

The mound was terraced with a flight of steps leading up to the newly flattened top.  The top was partly paved, partly graveled, a summer house positioned and parts left for planting.  The lower terrace continues as a raised bed on the left of the steps to a trellised arbour planted with climbing plants.  

The concrete paving was removed and replaced by natural sandstone with the man-hole cover lowered and hidden under a ‘liftable’ slab.  A ‘bubble’ water feature was positioned so that it can be enjoyed from both the arbour and the summer house.

The steps and the path to the summer house are lit at night to allow the garden and the path to next door to be used safely after dark.

The planting on the terraces is a mixture of scented shrubs and perennials with gaps left for some of the client’s favourite annuals such as sweet peas.  To the left of the steps there is a small herb garden which leads to the climbing plants over  the arbour