Multi-level Gardens

Sites with slopes and changes of level can be daunting but they also present opportunities:  to create different contrasting areas, to develop interesting perspectives and focal points and to  employ steps and paths and walling to good aesthetic effect. In these situations, meticulous surveying to establish levels and accurate design drawings are a critical part of creating a successful garden.

In this Cotswold garden,  a very steep bank on one side of the house had become overgrown and unmanageable. The brief was to reclaim this space and make it fully available to the owners and their family.   The solution was to break up the slope into three terraces, each supported by substantial retaining walls. The bottom level was an Indian sandstone terrace for dining, screened by a new wall and raised flower beds.  The middle level became a new lawn reached by broad steps and enhanced with a water feature. The top garden was modelled into  a circular terrace reached by integrated steps giving magnificent view over the valley and perfect for evening sun.