Initially engaged to create a transitional space between the extension the clients had to their home, Steve and Rees created a garden with various zones that both complement and contrast.
Brushed Accoya Decking with Zinc Panels
Heavily brushed Accoya suspended over acid-etched zinc galvanised steel forms the decking structure at one end of the house. In order to emphasise the detail within the timber, Rees chose wide deck boards secured with hidden fittings. Over time this timber will weather to a silvery grey which will add a subtle contrast to the blue-grey of the steel.
The deck is framed with planting in varying shades of green purple and white to complement the existing Wisteria, and to offer a contrast to the grey tones of the deck and the steel edging.
Steve Said, “This deck is amazing. It’s actually one of my favourite decks that I’ve ever built”
Natural Stone Steps and Patio
The transition from the back of the house to the lawn and the use of space off the extension were at the heart of the client’s brief. After various iterations and multiple concept drawings, Steve came up with a design the clients were happy with. The diverging angles created by the house and the fence led Rees to create something with a geometric design. This is complemented by the lines of the stone steps and the natural limestone paving; the geometry of both adding an extra dimension to the octagonal shape of the patio.
The leading edge of the patio is planted with tall grasses and fragrant shrubs to soften the drop to the adjacent garden. While these offer varying shades of green to contrast against the grey limestone paving, the Osmanthus x burkwoodii also stimulates the senses with aromas reminiscent of honey apricot and peach.
Planting – Contrast and Combination
The planting in this garden covers five zones of varying sizes and shapes. A small wild meadow surrounds a stand of Betula utilis var. jacquemontii at one end of the garden, while ferns and ground cover plants fill the smallest planting bed.
The two main planting areas are populated with plants of varying height texture colour and shape. The primary colour is purple – the client’s favourite – with splashes of red white and yellow to add contrast. Combinations of planting add interest with Lupin and Iris planted amongst tall grasses to add colour and catch the eye, while larger shrubs such as Hydrangea, and trees such as Cornus kousa var. Chinensis, add structure.
Other Planting includes:
Alchemilla mollis
Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata ‘Black Barlow’
Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Angustatum’
Chrysanthemum ‘Hardy Red’
Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’
Cornus kousa var. Chinensis
Delphinium ‘Guardian White’
Echinacea purp. ‘White Swan’
Euphorbia char. ‘Shorty’
Helleborus x hybridus ‘Double Black’
Lobelia x speciosa ‘Hapsden Purple’
Paeonia lact. ‘Jan van Leeuwen’
Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii
Sarcococca confusa
Tiarella ‘Iron Butterfly’
Trachelospermum jasminoides
Verbena bonariensis
Veronicastrum ‘Adoration’
Viburnum davidii
Client Feedback
“The team has been a joy to work with as his passion for garden design never failed even when we reworked the plans several times to come up with a design that met our scope and was within our budget. Many months later, as the trees and plants have settled in and we have witnessed the changes, it has been a pleasure to see the garden mature and give us what we envisaged. The team were always courteous and worked through rain and snow to ensure the hard landscaping was completed by the deadline and then returned for the planting according to our request that it was dog and wildlife friendly. We particularly liked it that Steve and Rees were involved in the detail of the build and planting and not just the design.”
Credits and Further information
Location – Chesham Bois
Completed – 2022
Materials – James Latham Ltd, Country Supplies, Babylon Plants, Rochford’s, London Stone
Client – Private
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