A redesign of a garden from 11 years ago following an extension

"Don't worry, your garden won't suffer", said her builder.   He lied!!

I designed this garden originally about 12 years ago, and following a large extension, it was a pleasure to be invited back to redesign the space to suit the needs of the family today. There were no children 12 years ago, when a huge pond was installed as part of the brief. Now a family of 4, more important was a large patio space, and some raised beds for vegetables.... with some nice planting too of course, and a much smaller wildlife pond.

Newly planted, it will of course look quite different by next year as the young plants bulk out, and begin to spread.

The garden slopes, and the patio steps down to the lawn area. A bed within the patio space can be enjoyed close to the house
through the large bi fold doors. Plants for this sunny spot include Stipa Gigantea, Asters, Crocosmia, Echinacea,
Caryopteris, Salvia, Sedum, and Stachys, with edgers of Euphorbia Myrsinities, and Thyme.

Stepping down from the patio, the left of the garden is shaded by a large wall and fence, so plants with interesting foliage
are crucial here for textural interest including Sarcococca (for it's beautiful winter scent), Euonymous,
Brunnera Jack Frost, Carex Evergrold, Ferns, and Actea.

Next to the wildlife pond, Sedum, Pennisetum grass and Heuchera enjoy the sunshine. In the distance,a brick edged
gravel path leads to 3 vegetable beds which await planting once the sunflowers are removed, and connects back to the patio.

The garden as we found it, after the extension

Why have lawn when you can have a pond!

I was asked to design a garden for a couple whose main desire was plenty of space for table and chairs, two garden sofas, a swing seat, and also two benches. Almost at the last minute, they also said they fancied a pond.        

By the time I had planned the seating areas, and pond, I decided there was little point having any lawn, so made the pond bigger instead. The garden is only just planted, so it will of course be very different next year, but here is the new layout. They have employed a gardener now who will ensure the garden is kept neat and weedfree for them to sit and enjoy, so I can look forward to revisit knowing that it is well tended.

Sofas now have plenty of space and overlook the pond.

The new patio  large enough for table, chairs and sofas.

The gravel path leads to the shed

The gravel path continues past the pond, to a swing seat, offering this alternative
view of the garden.

How it looked before..........

A mature garden with a revamp

This customer's garden was nicely mature, but the owners wanted to somehow freshen it up. Photos taken in February do not show any garden at it's best, although it had lots of evergreens. These are great for winter, but if too many are planted, leave little space for seasonal changes.

The problems......

1. The garden is large, however both patio areas are barely big enough to fit a table for 6, since they both have raised beds included within the patio space.
2. The garden's entire length can be seen from one end to the other. It would benefit from some sub division.
3. All of the planting is around the edges, and therefore mostly covered by shade from the many trees. Also very rooty to work with new planting around the trees.
4. The fish pond is a square brick raised pond, on a second patio area, and can only be enjoyed if standing over it looking in.
5. A wildlife pond is looking tired, and would benefit from enlarging.
6. The Amelanchier is looking very sad, having fallen over and been propped up last winter.
7. The Shed, and dustbins are the main focal point from the patio doors

THE BEFORE SHOTS....

The fish pond was a raised brick pool taking up lots of patio space.

The garden cried out for sub-division, and the bamboo seemed
the idea starting point.

The other patio with a circular raised bed eating into the patio space.

The customer kindly supplied a few "during" photos of work in progress.

Extending the existing patio. They chose to use the same paving,
which will soon weather in given a couple of years.

The pergola with brick detail below will subdivide the long garden, once the planting is also added to the right hand
side of the pergola. A concrete trench was placed around the bamboo to stop if from further encroaching.

As parts of the old patio are dug up, a new timber raised bed will
provide depth for vegetable production

The AFTER pictures...

The square raised pond now gone, and a new patio laid.  A new 2 pond system was built with waterfall from upper to lower pool. A bark path now  cuts through what was a difficult area to maintain. The path now allowing access to maintain the garden , but also to enjoying walking between the planting.

This second patio, now has plenty of  space for entertaining, and overlooking the ponds. Trellis will soon be clothed with climbing plants to screen to shed .

The new Island bed will enjoy full sun for several hours each day, and by next year will be much fuller
with perennial plants. In the background, a large Eleagnus shrub was also removed from next to the fence,
and a small area for a bench introduced. This offers a different view across the garden towards the ponds.

The patio now larger, with a step leading onto the lawn. plenty space now for a party!