Shepperton, TW17

This project was a complete redesign for new owners of the property surrounding an entire rebfurbishment. Although lovingly cared for by the previous owner, the garden required updating from the 1970s when it had been mostly laid to crazy paving and two very large rockery beds. There are three areas of the garden, each with their own purpose and individual character unified by the repeated use of similar plants.

Design Philosophy

The sunny secluded garden set adjacent to the main bedroom where the couple can step out and enjoy a peaceful cup of tea in the morning. This design forms a romantic sanctuary bordered by medium to large shrubs with subtle colour and fragrance. Evergreen shrubs offer year-round interest, while the garden is most vibrant in summer.

The main rear garden in full view from the new kitchen and sitting room was designed for maximum entertaining as the couple enjoy having parties. There were many mature trees and shrubs so we worked these into the design to produce a pleasing layout making the most of the wide plot. The planting plan incorporated plants from the side garden as well as new species that will thrive in the heavy clay soil conditions. As the couple like to spend their winters abroad, the garden wakes up with a soft muted spring palette with colours becoming more vibrant as the season progresses, reaching a crescendo in the summer and autumn months reflecting the love of colour. To the owners' delight, the simple water feature is already enticing many birds into the garden.

The front driveway provides a simple yet welcoming entrance to the house with scented lavender softening the edges of the  pathway leading you down to the garden gate. Although a functional space, with ample parking for 3 cars, it reflects the gardens beyond the gate in an elegant manner. A tall hedge of Photinia Red Robin will act as an evergreen screen for the garage door and the 'Smoke Bush' tree will be a focal point.