The garden after, screening plants have grown to create privacy
The garden under construction showing the need for screening
Steps lead to the upper garden
Trees break the roof line of neighbouring properties
The patio nestles beneath a bank of shrubs and perennials
A sheltered spot beneath fragrant roses
A striking multi stem Birch tree
Breathing Life into an Overlooked Hillside Garden
Nestled on a hillside within a sprawling new-build development, our clients' garden presented a challenging canvas marred by tall fences, imposing retaining walls, and unsightly properties looming overhead. Split into narrow strips by a substantial bank, the garden's potential was overshadowed by its unappealing outlook. Situated in the chalk downs near Canterbury, selecting suitable planting was paramount to the project's success.
Garden Elements:
The Challenge Ahead
Transforming the garden posed several challenges, including the need to mitigate the impact of the hillside terrain, address the unattractive views, and select plant species resilient to chalky soil conditions. Additionally, creating a cohesive design that seamlessly integrated the two garden levels while enhancing visual appeal was paramount.
Garden Design Brief
Our clients entrusted us with the task of transforming their overlooked garden into a haven they could cherish for years to come. With a focus on enhancing the visual appeal and functionality of the space, our goal was to mitigate the impact of the hillside terrain while carefully selecting planting that thrived in the challenging chalky soil.
Our Approach
Strategic Design Elements
Leveraging our expertise, we strategically laid out interlocking square and rectangular panels of red brick and buff paving, extending from the patio doors. These bold forms not only visually broke up the narrow strip of garden but also created a sense of structure and purpose.
Addressing the Bank
To mitigate the severity of the bank and foster connectivity between the two garden levels, we constructed a low wall and integrated wide steps. This not only served a functional purpose but also visually opened up the space, creating a seamless transition between the levels.
The Results
By infusing thoughtful design elements and strategic interventions, we successfully revitalised the once-overlooked garden into a dynamic and inviting space. The interplay of bold paving and raised herb beds adds visual interest, while the steps provide both access and aesthetic appeal. Despite the challenges posed by the hillside terrain, the garden now stands as a testament to our ability to transform adversity into opportunity.
Feeling inspired?
Click here or call 01227 733447 to schedule your garden design consultation.
DISCOVER OUR OTHER GARDEN DESIGN PROJECTS
An Informal Garden
One of the joys of being in a beautiful garden is that it helps us to relax and reconnect with nature. This is particularly so in a well-designed informal garden which our clients wish for their mature plot.
READ MORE"As you know we are delighted with our garden. We felt your professionalism was first class from start to finish, your gardeners were friendly and v..."
A Creative Drainage Solution
We were asked to specify and quote for the installation of a land drainage system for a large garden that routinely flooded in the winter. The soil was deep, heavy clay in a flat low-lying area with nowhere to drain to. We proposed a more creative solution:
READ MORE"This was definitely a case of working with nature rather than trying to fight it!"
A Large Garden To Compliment Contemporary Hanse Haus
Much like the Hanse Haus home it accompanies, this large formal garden is uncomplicated and professionally delivered with clean lines and a contemporary design.
READ MORE"“We originally requested that Haywood Landscapes help us with the design and specification for landscaping the garden, in order that we could put t..."
A traditional country garden
Making the most of the natural beauty of the Kent countryside, a traditional country garden should reflect its outlying landscape character. Lending itself to a free-flowing, informal planting scheme, the more traditional rural landscape design will often feature wildflowers, natural water, some kitchen and cottage garden elements, and softer themes.
READ MORE"“We did not fully appreciate how a professional garden design could bring us such ever-changing beauty every day. Neighbours and passers-by often s..."
A Modern Garden for Outdoor Living
As is often the case, when you move home, the garden you take on may not reflect your style or needs; it may be bigger or have elements that simply do not fit with your plans for enjoying your outdoor space. This was exactly the dilemma facing our clients near Faversham as they took on an awkward-shaped sloping garden...
READ MORE""After moving to our new home, we contacted Haywood Landscapes to breathe life into our lacklustre garden. From the outset, the team was responsive..."
A Small Front Garden
Our client was planning improvements to her house with a new front door and other projects and felt the garden let the property down. It was scruffy and uninteresting and reflected poorly on her nice home.
READ MORE"To complete the transformation the client was fortunate to benefit from the removal of a rather ugly telegraph pole which sat right on the edge of ..."
An Overlooked Garden Transformed
With a property on a large new-build development our clients were blessed with a relatively large garden, but it was set on a hillside and had an awful outlook towards tall fences, timber retaining walls and properties ‘up-slope’ looming over them.
READ MORE"A shed, greenhouse and compost area were concealed behind a trellis screen and arch with access from a sloping path to the rear. From the top of th..."
A Striking Country Garden Design
This converted farm building was a cattle byre (or shed in plain terminology) and is set in a rural Kentish landscape
READ MORE"Comments From Co-Founder of Haywood Landscapes, Andy Wiggins “As designers we can sometimes get possessive and precious about our creations. This w..."
A Contemporary Garden For Wildlife
Our client wanted a garden that would attract wildlife but not a textbook wildlife garden. She was keen to make a bold statement and wasn’t afraid of something a little out of the ordinary around her bungalow near the Kent coast
READ MORE"We were given a good service despite inclement weather. The design process itself was very enjoyable as we felt our ideas were really listened to....."
A Stylish Wilding of a New Home
Our brief was to create a garden for outdoor living that would also attract wildlife, to be contemporary in style yet informal.
READ MORE"“In our brief to Andy, we requested a wildlife-friendly garden with a contemporary, shaded seating area and space for outdoor dining. It was a big ..."
A Family Garden
With no existing features or character to guide the design, new-build homes with ‘blank Canvas’ plots can sometimes be more challenging to design than a more mature garden. This particular example was sloping across its entire depth and featured poor heavy clay soil. It was also an irregular awkward shape, producing lots of additional challenges.
READ MORE"Having bought a new home, we wanted a garden to match and chose Haywood Landscapes as we were impressed with Andrew's knowledge, ability to underst..."
A Seaside Garden
Separated from the beach only by a quiet road and with a commanding view across the English Channel, this fine property in Deal was let down by the garden. With a massively overgrown rockery and dilapidated crazy paving their coastal garden design was very dated, in a poor state, and completely unmanageable for our clients who are an elderly couple. They wanted us to come up with some suitable seaside garden ideas that would transform their garden.
READ MORE
