Adding some impact to a very tidy, but dull garden

I do see some very untidy gardens when visiting clients, but on this occasion, the existing garden was beautifully managed..... but very dull. After spring shrubs, almost no colour at all to look forward to. Also, the only patio area was tucked in between the conservatory and side wall offering no other place to sit in the garden and enjoy the evening sun. The garden had quite a slope, so the design had to allow for this, and therefore step down to a new patio area, which at the same time has been lifted towards the back, with plenty of hardcore and retaining walls.

The garden of the neighbouring property to the rear, is much  higher, infact the owners can look straight over at head height. Important to the brief therefore was to provide privacy. A timber raised bed of 30" in  height now has Photinia Red Robin planted as hedging, and in to time, will provide an evergreen screen between the properties. The aim is to allow the hedge to grow to around 1 metre or so above fence level, proving privacy to both parties, which can be easily managed by standing in the raised bed.

More interesting sun loving perennials which will enjoy the free draining conditions, are also planted in the raised bed, and will soon tumble over the front edges to soften the look.  Much of the rest of the garden is wet sticky clay, so plants such as Hemerocallis, Carex Elata Aurea, Iris Siberica, Lythrum, Euphorobia Palustus, Hydrangea and Cornus together with a variety of Geraniums were all chosen to suit the conditions.

It will look very different by next spring, when the young plants emerge 3 x bigger than  planted, and by year 2 will be packed full. I look forward to a revisit in the knowledge that it will be well cared for by the owners.

The new patio offering  a place for the evening sun, back by a raised bed

The  new second patio area will soon be surrounded by colourful perennials and grasses backlit by evening sun,
whilst offering a view back to the house

Beautifully scented Viburnum Dawn, will grow to a height of around 2.5mtrs
over around 10 years proving almost tree like structure 

The bed outside the kitchen window sees almost no sun, but Helleborus Nigra, Lamiums and
Liriope Muscari will be very happy in those conditions, together with scented evergreen Sarcoccoca Confusa

The old patio replaced with new Indian Sandstone, leading into a path
around the conservatory and to the side of the house. The ideal place for a shady seat,
and a further seating area in sun now at the far end of the garden.

Panoramic view

BEFORE. The old patio led only to lawn. The lawn continued all around
the conservatory and up to the fences.

BEFORE. The view from the patio was tidy but rather dull.