GARDEN DESIGN, COACHING & ADVICE
Beckenham & South East London

With a new kitchen extension soon to be completed, these clients were keen to create a contemporary jungle garden to look out on, inspired by hotels in the Canary Islands. They had already started to collect hardy, tropical plants. My role was to talk in detail about how they would like to use their new garden and come up with a low maintenance design that would provide for everyone in the family. The result is a detailed design that packs a lot in, using easily accessible materials and construction techniques suitable for a self build.

 

Sunlight is strong in this open, urban plot so trees and tree ferns are positioned to cast shade, create privacy and a more relaxed, inviting space. Beyond a cool, porcelain tiled patio is a lawn across which wide paving slabs continue. A sculpture acts a focal point, drawing the eye away from surrounding buildings. A raised bed on the left, with a built in bench seat, allows for deeper, more water retentive soil in which to establish lush, tropical planting.

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Beyond the lawn is a bamboo hedge, screening the shed at the end of the garden and creating a further private, sheltered area. This includes a bench amongst lush ferns that catches the evening sun, and a hidden space to accommodate a den or hanging chair for growing kids to retreat to. Space to the side and rear of the shed has been fenced off and disguised by planting, creating discrete extra storage so the garden can stay clutter free.

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 Design drawings and a landscaping plan provided for future construction.