A Solihull Sanctuary

A total redesign of the rear garden

A total redesign of this rear garden was completed for Margaret and James. The small lower patio area constantly floods in winter, and the children are now older and the trampoline is redundant so they were left with a space they could use for only six months of the year, an no real need to go down to the bottom of the garden. A stylish contemporary patio area now sits in its place. This is on a raised platform with five soakaways installed to deal with the flood water that impacts the site during the winter months.

Stylish slate paving sits below a contemporary pergola

Sleek and stylish slate paving, sits below a contemporary pergola, surrounded by raised beds planted in lively hot coloured Heuchera, softened by grasses and cranesbills. Screening from the rear neighbours Is provided by pleached holly ‘ Nellie Stevens’ with woodland planting at their base that flows across the rear of the garden under the existing hawthorn trees. Even the garden store sits unassumingly as it’s been coloured to match the fencing and paving styles.

A naturalistically planted elliptical lawn

An elliptical lawn with widened borders is now planted naturalistically with plants that accept the damp conditions and provides colour and interest all year round drawing the visitor down to the stylish patio area. Cornus, Salix, Corylus, Cranesbill and Festuca are but a few of the plants that now inhabit the lushly planted space; to attract wildlife and pollinators.

Living focal points

Architectural plants like Dicksonia and Gunnera were of special interest to these clients so these were incorporated too as living focal points; fire pit, outdoor furniture and solar lighting give the finishing touches.

Now a unified space for both summer and winter parties or simply sitting out both day and night to chill and relax.