The Brief: This client was embarking on an ambitious basement kitchen extension project and saw the opportunity to make more of their long garden. The client (an artist and keen gardener) had a vision of dividing the garden into ‘rooms’ but needed help to turn the idea into reality.

The Solution: Working closely with the client, the garden was designed to complement the new architecture and to make the new spaces work in harmony. On basement level, the garden flows straight out from the fabulous kitchen extension to enhance the outside-inside connection. Built into the new retaining wall structure is a seating area with a floating bench and raised planters flanking the steps leading up to the lawned garden. Beyond this lays a private courtyard garden for alfresco dining with a corten steel water feature and a pebble mosaic designed by the client. Beyond the courtyard garden is a small wildflower meadow, the shed and the children’s trampoline. The different spaces, all linked by the limestone paving, are divided by mature yew and beech hedging and the new planting is textured and diverse – and provides a haven for pollinators.