CAROLINE  DE LANE LEA  

Having recently moved to the property, the clients wished to open up the previously dark and shrub dominated

garden to create a light-filled, inviting, flexible space for outdoor eating and entertaining. Views of the garden bringing the outside in were also key to the design. Year-round interest and attracting wildlife was important, as well as the provision for flexible seating space to enjoy the different aspects of the garden. 

 

The design had to accommodate four doors opening from the house and used planting beds to break up the space and bring greenery close to the property. A central planting bed with tall grasses and perennials attracts butterflies and bees. A curved raised planting bed with a bespoke built-in curved timber bench creates both a practical change of level and additional seating. A sandstone water bowl provides both a focal point and drinking water for birds. An additional bird bath located beneath the kitchen window and bird feeding stations ensure birdlife is attracted to the garden all year round. A stainless steel water spill brings the soft sound of flowing water and muffles the distant traffic noise.