Contemporary garden with entertainment area

This garden in Forest Hill, London has the benefit of a borrowed landscape with a lot of large mature trees in neighbouring land, however the trees drop a lot of seeds which turn into weeds so we created a gravel garden to help keep the weeds under control.

The brief was to create a family garden for relaxation and entertaining, working with plants that attract wildlife.

The garden was divided into separate zones so it could be used for socialising and relaxation.

Scottish pebbles and bark mulch were used to help keep the weeds out and provide good drainage.  The percentage of hard landscaping to soft landscaping (planting) was kept to a minimum so we could plant more plants to attract wildlife. 

A slatted timber trellis frames the existing rear brick wall, enhancing privacy while complementing the contemporary garden design.

The shed was painted a lovely dusky shade of pink which compliments the light grey, sand and peach shades in the Scottish pebbles.

With the focus on helping gardens adapt to climate change, a mixture of native and non native plants were used in the planting design. Native evergreen ferns to compliment the woodland feel of the surrounding area, with non native flowering perennials such as Salvia ‘Caradonna’ which can flower for six months and are covered in bees from dawn until dusk.

A focal point Amelanchier tree was planted for spring blossom, berries for the birds, lovely leaves through the summer. 

The borders feature Olea europaea (Olive trees), Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Oliver Twist’, Cotinus coggygria 'Grace',  Verbina bonariensis, Euphorbia, Hydrangeas and Herbs for cooking.

A small area for growing vegetables and fruit was included.

Stepping stones are positioned strategically in the large borders for easy access to tidy up the garden.