Design In Action: 3 inspiring garden transformations
We share three of our favourite garden transformation to date, with before-and-after photos, showing how great design can turn even the most bland and awkward spaces into unrecognisable havens for people and wildlife.
Great garden design can completely transform an outdoor space. In this article, we share three of our favourite project transformations to date, showing what can be achieved with a fresh perspective and a bit of creative problem solving. These projects cover a range of situations, including; a small new-build garden, a long narrow garden and an awkwardly shaped garden with large mature trees, showing that gardens of any shape and size can be given a new lease of life.
Garden With A View
First up, one of our most simple designs to date, but let that be no reflection of the outcome. This is a perfect example of the importance of designing in response to the site. This garden needed a light touch approach to make the most of the incredible backdrop that was waiting beyond. The result, a garden that feels like it belongs within the wider landscape.
So what did we do? Rather than being restricted by the small footprint within the boundary, we replaced the existing timber fence with a low stone wall and metal railings. This created the gardens 'wow-factor' moment, opening up expansive views of the rolling hills beyond and making the space feel instantly, infinitely larger. We re-laid the concrete patio with natural stone paving and added an additional seating area in the far corner to help draw you out into the garden. Then, we introduced some simple border planting, including a small fruit tree and a low evergreen hedge to echo the field boundaries, creating a further visual link between the spaces that helps to make them feel like one.
View the full finished project gallery here.
Contemporary Woodland Garden
Next is our contemporary woodland garden. The biggest challenge in this space was the layout. The property, a new-build luxury home, had been positioned in the centre of the plot at an awkward angle. This created a garden formed of a series of triangular spaces and uncomfortable 'pinch-points' that felt disjointed, even when there was nothing in it. We used this as an opportunity to create distinct zones within the garden and used large planted borders to help disguise the awkward angles. In this way, the final design created a garden that functioned as a series of spaces, and the journey between them became part of the experience as opposed to a hindrance.
The levels on site also had to be considered. Though the garden was largely flat, it sloped steeply along one side which was not only a physical design factor, but also a visual one as it made the fence along the rear boundary feel out of proportion, towering over the garden. To tackle this, we used stone-filled gabion baskets, chosen to aesthetically bridge the gap between the formality of the house and the rustic woodland backdrop. These not only served as a practical solution, but further helped to frame the newly defined areas within the garden.
Finally, while the mature trees provided a stunning feature within the garden, they also create dry-shade which is a notoriously tricky situation to establish new planting in. However, with a carefully selected planting scheme, we transformed this garden from a bland lawn into a lush woodland garden.
View the full finished project gallery here.
Family Wellness Garden
Finally, a long and narrow garden that was in need of a transformation worthy of the extensive renovations planned for the house. Initially, an existing cedar clad building at the far end of the garden, used as a gym, formed the main, and only focal point. Now, this garden discretely packs away a whole host of features, including; a split patio with an outdoor kitchen, dining table and lounging area, a large lawn, a kids play area, and the ultimate outdoor home-spa complete with a sauna, hot tub and ice bath to complement the existing gym.
So as not to clutter the space, the design focused on dividing the area into four distinct horizontal sections that each spanned the full width of the garden. This not only made the garden feel wider, but importantly created an opportunity to frame and screen views that hide and reveal different features as you move through the garden, adding a dynamic element to what could otherwise be a very predictable and monotonous space. We did this using strategically placed raised beds, ornamental trees and hedging, which also introduced some much needed vertical interest. When positioning the screening elements, it was important to leave a small, uninterrupted sightline the full length of the garden, connecting the house and gym, to maintain a sense of depth within the space that entices you to wander down and into the garden.
View the full finished project gallery here.
Ready to unlock your own gardens potential?
If you've been feeling like you're garden is too small, too challenging or just generally too awkward to do anything meaningful with, hopefully these before-and-after's help to show you that every garden has potential to be given a new lease of life. Whether you dream of a relaxing retreat, a thriving wildlife haven, or simply a fresh new look new look for your garden, with the right approach, every outdoor space can be transformed into somewhere that both you, and the local wildlife, can enjoy.
Explore our garden design services or get in touch to find out how we can help make your dream garden a reality.
