The Entertainers Garden

 

This is a large urban garden that presented with a steady slope and privacy problems. The existing planting was overgrown, and a lot of clearance was required. The drawings had to be submitted for planning permission as the area has a special covenant. The client wanted a large entertainment space for parties and a kitchen with a variety of cooking facilities, including two large rotisseries. He is also very passionate about Koi fish, so we integrated a koi pond and Rill water feature. The client is a keen cook and wanted a potager and a large greenhouse to be able to grow fresh vegetables and herbs. Lots more outdoor storage and a new multi-use studio was needed. The various new areas needed to be defined and framed by beautiful, lush and easy to look after planting, giving interest and enjoyment throughout the year. Carefully placed lighting extends the use of the garden into the night. 

The levels in this garden were designed to flow gently between the individual areas to absorb the existing drop without harsh levels. A louvered pergola was installed above the large kitchen to extend its use to all weathers, behind a tall cedar fence was installed to deal with the privacy problems.

A large scale porcelain paving was used to give a clean and modern, easy to maintain surfaces. The main area outside the interior kitchen and lounge is now a large Belau hardwood decking for a generous dining/ sunbathing area, generous enough to accommodate large parties. The water feature Rill and pond with structural, beautiful planting frames these rooms and leads towards a fire pit area.  The Potager and greenhouse are concealed from view but the corten steel arch encourages the exploration of these. There is a more shaded and natural wooded area with seating to rest and admire the view towards the house. The sound insulated studio and new outbuildings for storage are surrounded by a generous lawn, providing ample space to play for children and pets. The carefully placed lighting extends the safety, usability and drama of this garden through the nights and seasons, ensuring maximum beauty and enjoyment.