The brief
This property in Walthamstow had a large garden which lacked features but had some history and potential. An existing patio directly adjoins the bifold doors on the back of the house, and a large concrete pad to the rear of the garden, both of which the client was happy to reuse in the new design. The brief was to create a family space which is also suitable for entertaining. There is a large established eucalyptus tree plus a few other smaller trees which should be retained in the new design.
The solution
The existing black limestone patio was preserved and restored as necessary. A porcelain pathway (installed a step lower than the existing patio) runs the full length of the garden from the side gate to the back brick wall.
The majority of the space was filled with lawn and the concrete pad at the back of the garden was paved with black limestone to match the paving around the house. The black limestone is bisected by the white porcelain path helping to delineate between the lounging area and the entertaining area.
A second smaller black limestone patio is positioned at the end of the first run of this porcelain Path with a step down. On here a nice sculptural planter is located.
A wall of mesh gabions filled with large pebbles and topped with unseasoned oak planks has been installed around the existing eucalyptus tree.
A recurring motif in the space is a decorative feature comprising a line of two oak cubes and a pebble filled gabion in which a chunky oak half arch is installed, from which a lantern or other ephemera can be suspended. One has been installed next to the eucalyptus, the second at the entrance to the back patio, and the third forming a seat along one side of the table in the dining area.
Porcelain tile stepping stones run through the lawn down the side of the house to the side gate and the front fence is screened by a series of pleached trees to aid security and privacy. A raised vegetable planter has been installed near to the house. The garden has also benefited from a storage shed and Wendy house.
The planting scheme has a backbone of evergreen architecture shrubs softened with long-flowering hardy perennials.
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