Transformation of a small garden in Claygate
The Brief
A client in Claygate had a pretty rear garden, with a lovely warm brick wall along the back. Unfortunately it was dominated by a very large, dark green fir tree and large, dark evergreen shrubs, and felt hemmed in and shady despite the west facing aspect.
She wanted to have more colour, a better lawn and a place to sit. The existing hard landscaping was in good condition and did not need upgrading.
The Design
It’s always sad to take down a large healthy tree, but after much debate, we decided it would improve the light into the garden so much that on this occasion it would be worth it. Once the tree was down the gorgeous brick wall became a feature. To tie in with this and give the garden shape, I created a red brick edged circular lawn. A planting plan of low maintenance, mixed shrubs, small trees, grasses, bulbs and perennials hugged the curve of the lawn, providing year round interest, height and texture, and a flurry of colour in every season. The raised patio walls were filled with a lavender hedge and roses and clematis were trained along the brick wall. Finally, a large terracotta urn was placed as a focal point at the back of the garden, and a bench and pots filled with box on the seating area in the corner.
