Caroline and Steve, a couple with a shared passion for nature, found themselves facing the next big project on their list: transforming their neglected garden. After years of living with the space, they had a clear sense of what worked, what didn’t, and the changes they wanted to see. Their decisiveness and openness to fresh ideas set the stage for an exciting garden design journey.

With a focus on natural aesthetics and practicality, we set out to define the look and feel of their outdoor space. Timber emerged as the key material, offering versatility and a natural appeal. From creating a new lawn-level sitting platform to softening the patio edges with timber screening, each addition aimed to seamlessly blend into the landscape with British grown timber species selected to stand the test of time.

Given their busy lives as working parents, low-maintenance planting was a must. But Caroline and Steve were also eager to roll up their sleeves and get involved in the garden’s upkeep, eager to learn about the new plant species we introduced.

The result? A garden that defied convention and brimmed with personality. The once stark and bright patio area behind the house was transformed into a garden with gravel-filled pockets planted with Mediterranean flora. Vines were planted to scramble up and green the stone-filled gabions, while an asymmetric Douglas Fir pergola will provide shade and structure.

In the front garden, vertical timber rails completed the raised patio offering privacy, and deep plant borders with meadow-inspired planting schemes were introduced. From vibrant perennials to grasses swaying in the breeze, every corner of the garden beckoned exploration and discovery.

Despite their initial vision, Caroline and Steve’s openness to inspiration led them to a garden that exceeded their expectations. It was a space perfectly tailored to their needs and desires, a testament to their collaborative spirit and commitment to creating a garden that felt like home, even before they knew it themselves.