Courtyard Garden
The brief
Site: Sheltered garden of approx. 14 x 15 m.
A 1.5m wall surrounds the site.
Requirements:
Moderate to low maintenance ‘Urban retreat’
Dining and entertaining area, particularly for the summer months
A water feature
A compost bin away from the house for kitchen and food waste
Herbs in pots - no desire for a vegetable garden
Images: Concept Design elevation, Concept Plan
Design response
A contemporary woodland garden with a formal rill
Light is restricted within the garden. As such, the planting runs with the woodland feel, while enhancing existing light through the use of white-stemmed silver birch, reflective screens, water, and cream-flowering structural planting. Gaps in the planting allow for light to reach the entertaining areas.
Entertaining in the garden
A large paved dining area sits close to the house in a sheltered position, catching the evening light for much of the year. A second seating area is enclosed in the North West corner. This benefits from morning sun, shelter and the sound of gently running water. Both dining sites offer privacy and a view over the garden.
Planting
Year-round interest is provided with early flowering shrubs, trees, and late autumn displays. During the winter, the water features, sculptures, and birch stems come into their own. These are complemented by the varied shapes - umbels, buttons and spires - of the perennials left to stand to provide winter food for wildlife.
Flow, style, and interest
The ‘revealing’ nature of the scheme works from multiple viewpoints and from whichever direction the garden is navigated. Each space relates to the next, drawing us on. Behind the sheet of water, a structure sits on top of the wall, framing/inviting in the borrowed landscape behind.
There is strong repetition in the planting and the use of natural materials in keeping with the house. Colours are soft with occasional brighter ‘pops’ in borders.
A wide path allows for quick and easy travel between the car/ property entrance and the house. The silver sculptural screen permits the garden to give too much away at first sight.