This garden serves as an outdoor sports area as well as a relaxing spa.

With active kids and pets this garden had to be practical as well as cool. A large planting bed right by the house lets you feel enveloped in nature straight away, even on dull days. 

The middle of the garden maximises space for movement plus a large sofa in the shade under a cantilevered roof, which was preferred by the client – rather than sun bathing. 

The third big feature is a sauna and outdoor shower, from the clients wish list. There is space for cooling off, with a view into the lime green canopy of the existing tree.

The garden carries the modern feel of the interior through the planting style while the materials link it back to the exterior and surroundings.

The owners of this property came with an interesting brief: it ranged from “more adventure” to “more control”. A unifying hand was required and I decided to propose a layered approach with genorous curves flowing through the whole site.

The wooded area and naturalized former tennis court to the north received intertwining paths with opportunities to stop and observe, places to hide and play. The little stream is allowed to wash over the path, there is a clearing waiting for a balancing act.

The large garden area is newly divided into sections of lawn, long grass and carpets of herbaceous planting.

At the opposite end, someone can chose to sit at the plein air desk between tall grasses and herbaceous borders. Or wander along the gentle path and find a seat in the woods.

You might not recognise this park. Grosvenor Gardens. After being given the challenge to come up with a coherent design for this divided public space as part of my Garden Design Diploma, I decided it is time for a deep dive into the history and current demands of this space in London. Apart from reading every neighbourhood and Comittee’s word I also collected first hand views: Standing around in the rain and watching people at different times of the day. To be precise: People, animals, bikes, cars – taking the bus around it.

In short: I heard what people wished for and changed the outline of the area. This project was going to take a good amount of time and effort, so I might as well spend it doing something that makes sense, rather than it being an excersise with limited ambition.

In my vision Marshal Foch on his horse is heading up a park that is ready for future generations.

I found a cause that I would really like to raise public awareness about. I haven’t put an application in yet, to the flower show, so here is just a sneak pre-view of the design. 

The main feature of this garden is something that might annoy visitors, because it hinders their progress through the garden. Which relates directly to the cause I was thinking about.

Besides that, it is a really beautiful space with a view.