We were delighted to collaborate with garden designer Helen Saunders, with whom we have a wonderful working relationship, to implement her stunning design, going on to win a national BALI award for this project.
This garden takes its cue from the existing wooded bank, drawing on the surrounding landscape of the Epsom Downs and Mediterranean influences inspired by the clients’ backgrounds. They wanted the compact space to work hard—providing places to sit, storage, productive growing, and a strong connection to the seasons through colourful planting.
On the shady slope, lush, layered planting enhances the woodland character, while a multi-stem Amelanchier and climbers blur the boundaries, linking with the wooded landscape beyond. A weathered-look deck appears to float over the bank, offering a secluded spot to sit and enjoy views beyond, immersed in greenery.
Embedded boulders evoke a Mediterranean hillside, with stone steps flowing between them, harmoniously connecting the hardscape with natural elements. A weathered oak bench intersects a mossy boulder, anchoring the hardscape and making it feel as though it has always been there.
The dining terrace supports relaxed outdoor living, equipped with a worktop and sink. Patterned tiling brings a subtle Mediterranean feel, while sun-loving planting, including scented Nepeta, wraps around the terrace, gently separating dining and productive areas.
The result is an immersive garden, rich in detail, layered with planting, and deeply connected to its landscape.
They wanted this relatively small space to pack a punch, providing a space to relax and unwind, to entertain, whilst being functional and practical and also helping them start their gardening and growing journey.
Throughout the project, we had a great working relationship with our clients. They welcomed our approach and communication, speaking at the start and end of every day and before any decisions were made. Although the garden is relatively small, it consists of many different areas and materials and there is a lot of detail. Ensuring good levels of communication made for a smoothly run project and ensured that every detail was to their satisfaction.
We have been back several times and the garden has evolved and is looking wonderful, whilst also being a working immersive space, which our clients are experimenting in and enjoying to the full, which gives us great satisfaction.
share this:
