Transforming a Bare Canvas: A Garden Remodel with Timeless Charm and Contemporary Flair
At the time of our intitial consultation this garden was a blank slate. The homeowners were eager to transform their outdoor space into a serene sanctuary that balanced traditional garden elements with a modern twist. They envisioned a space that would be as much about relaxing and enjoying nature as it would be about showcasing their love of gardening.
Setting the Foundation: A Traditional Layout with Contemporary Elements
The brief was clear: a traditional garden layout infused with contemporary features. Our first challenge was to design a space that would feel timeless and classic, yet fresh and modern. Central to the plan was the addition of an orangery that would bask in the morning sun, serving as the perfect spot for a leisurely breakfast amidst greenery. For evening relaxation, we incorporated a pergola, creating a sheltered area to unwind as the sun set.
Privacy and Structure: Pleached Laurels and Topiary
One of the primary concerns was privacy. To address this, we installed pleached Portuguese laurels (Prunus lusitanica). These elegant trees, trained to form a leafy screen, provided the perfect backdrop and shielded the garden from neighboring views. Their structured, formal appearance laid the groundwork for a garden that was both private and inviting.
In keeping with the structured theme, we introduced topiary throughout the garden, with neatly clipped specimens punctuating the parterre beds. The parterre itself paid homage to traditional designs but with a contemporary twist—crafted from corten steel, it added a modern edge to the otherwise classic layout.
Planting for All Seasons: Perennials and Jungle-Style Beds
The homeowners, keen gardeners themselves, wanted a garden that would be a joy to cultivate and that offered interest throughout the year. We filled the parterre beds with a variety of topiary forms, while the adjacent jungle-style planting featured a vibrant mix of perennials and architectural foliage.
Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’, Verbena bonariensis, Gaura ‘Whirling Butterflies’, Penstemon, and Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ were chosen for their long flowering season and delicate forms, adding movement and color to the planting scheme. Amongst these, we placed bold, dramatic foliage plants like tree ferns, various other fern species, and Fatsia japonica, creating a lush, textured contrast to the clipped topiary.
Soften the Lines: Letting the Plants Spill Over
One of the primary goals was to ensure that, over time, the plants would spill over the formal edges of the beds, softening the hard lines of the corten steel parterre. This gentle blurring of boundaries was crucial to achieving the desired blend of formal and informal styles. As the garden matures, we envision a tapestry of foliage and flowers weaving in and out of the structured framework, creating a living, breathing work of art.
A Contemporary Twist on Water: The Centerpiece
No garden of this nature would be complete without a water feature. Positioned as a focal point, we introduced a sleek, contemporary water feature that reflected the modern elements of the design while adding the soothing sound of running water—a perfect complement to the tranquil setting.
A Garden to Grow Into
As with any good garden, the true beauty of this space will reveal itself over time. The careful combination of traditional layout and modern touches, structured topiary, and exuberant planting will mature and evolve, offering new surprises with each passing season. The goal is for the garden to feel alive, dynamic, and ever-changing—a testament to the passion and vision of its owners.
In the end, this garden isn’t just a place to relax; it’s a personal paradise that captures the essence of what it means to create a home in harmony with nature.
READ MORE