New House - Small Courtyard Garden

Creating gardens in new houses with a very small garden footprint can be a challenge. This was the case with this space measuring only 6m deep x 9m wide. The developers had just left the usual blank canvas; a lawn which sloped upwards, and to the right with a very small patio and some steps out through a back gate and blank fences. There was an air-source heat pump to disguise too. The brief was to come up with a garden which delighted and inspired the clients, which they could step into anytime and enjoy, almost as another room. I created a centrally focussed Courtyard garden by adding in paths all round through a new patio area. The paving was made of blocks and Marshalls sandstone the same as the existing patio which we kept. There is a mixture of raised beds made from wood sleepers and red bricks to match the house. The planting changes as you travel around the garden depending on how much sun it receives. Some by the house will tolerate shade whereas other areas are in full sun. We improved the fencing with horizontal Iroko trellis work heavily clothed in climbers. There is a central water feature. We have packed a lot in a small space added lighting to enable evening entertaining. The clients are delighted and can’t wait to show it off to their new neighbours.