A split level garden in need of renovation

With an old conservatory removed, and a beautiful new extension added, this whole garden needed  a redesign. The upper level no longer worked, and the lower level  had not been updated for many years and still had remnants of old greenhouse bases, and pathways no long needed. It also had a sizable rise towards the back, backing onto fields, which the client wanted to be leveled out.

THE BRIEF

• Inject colour into the upper courtyard area of the garden, which was crazy paved
• Leave as much lawn as possible for kids to play but with borders deep enough for layers of planting at each side of the garden
• New shed, tucked further back into the slope
• Reduce slope as much as possible

THE UPPER COURTYARD AREA

This area had previously had a conservatory over parts of it, and in order to save costs, the existing crazy paving was "infilled" where necessary with new crazy paving. (The new telltale pointing will soon blend.)  New Basketweave brickwork adds colour and further interest to the hard landscaping.

Also, since the base here was hardcore, 20" raised beds were constructed to fill with new topsoil and plant with sun loving plants such as Euphorbia, Rosemary, Thyme, Verbena, Coreopsis and Lavender.  

To the left, a fast growing hedge of Photinia Red Robin will quickly soften the view of the neighbour's house wall

Daphne Odora will give evergreen interest with a beautiful winter scent

yellow Coreopsis, Lavender and Euphorbia Silver Swan

THE LOWER GARDEN

The existing steps previously  led straight on to the lawn, so in order to add some further interest, a brick path was laid to allow a walkway between planting, before reaching the lawn. To the left shade planting under a large tree, and to the right an area in full sun.

View from an existing terrace shows the slope at the rear of the garden much reduced in height, but with tree roots to contend with, raised planters to preserve the soil height where necessary. A  new shed pushed into the newly freed up back corner.

The garage conversion now linked to the house

BEFORE