Project Description
Entertaining and Grow-Your-Own Garden Design
This garden in Leigh-on-Sea was designed for a couple who wanted to bring more personality and functionality into their outdoor space. Each client had different tastes and requirements, so the challenge was to create a design that reflected both styles while maintaining a sense of cohesion and flow. The resulting layout offers a balance between practical growing areas and social zones for relaxing and entertaining.
A Functional and Stylish Raised Patio Area
The design begins with a raised platform outside the back doors, laid with wood-effect porcelain planks to create a warm, natural look that complements the home’s exterior. A built-in bench with hidden storage sits neatly along the existing raised bed, providing a practical yet elegant seating solution.
To enhance privacy and create shade, a timber pergola with scaffold pole cross beams has been installed over the raised area. This space flows seamlessly into the rest of the garden, establishing a connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Outdoor Bar and Entertaining Space
The former bin storage area has been cleverly transformed into a bespoke outdoor bar and barbecue kitchen, complete with a porcelain-tiled patio underneath a matching timber and scaffold pole pergola. This new feature provides the perfect setting for social gatherings, combining practicality with a relaxed, Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere.
A stepping-stone pathway, crafted from slabs repurposed from the existing patio, leads gracefully down the right-hand side of the garden. To add structure and visual interest, three timber arches positioned along the path create a sense of journey and rhythm throughout the space.
Lawn, Raised Beds and Greenhouse for Home-Grown Produce
The left side of the garden opens into a spacious lawn area, offering room for children to play or for relaxed summer lounging. Along the rendered wall, three large railway sleeper raised beds and galvanised steel cattle troughs have been installed, providing abundant space for growing fruit, vegetables and herbs.
At the rear boundary, a greenhouse gives the clients extra growing capacity for their home-grown produce. To enhance privacy, three standard blossom trees have been planted along the left-hand side, creating a natural screen from neighbouring properties.
Tranquil Patio and Water Feature
At the far end of the garden, the existing patio has been retained and enclosed with another timber pergola for added character and intimacy. A Corten-steel water bowl, positioned in a planting bed at the front of the patio, introduces a calming focal point, its rusted finish harmonising beautifully with the warm tones of the timber and porcelain throughout the design.
Before & After the Garden Design
The before-and-after images showcase the transformation from a tired, uneven garden into a contemporary outdoor sanctuary that now feels spacious, cohesive and full of personality. The new layout, materials and planting have completely redefined how the space is used, turning it into a true extension of the home.
Before
Sketches, Inspiration & Design
This Leigh-on-Sea garden perfectly balances aesthetics with usability. From the stylish entertaining areas and bar space to the practical grow-your-own beds and greenhouse, every detail has been carefully considered to suit the clients’ lifestyle. The result is a multi-purpose outdoor environment that feels both personal and inviting, designed for everyday enjoyment and special occasions alike.
As with all ED Gardens projects, the design began with a clear creative vision. The clients shared sketches and inspirational ideas that reflected their love for both traditional and modern styles. These initial concepts were refined into detailed design drawings that captured the balance of practicality and beauty they were seeking.
