Perfectly Natural: Creating a lush environment that improves with time

The garden of a South London flat was reimagined from a scruffy lawn and cramped terrace into a vibrant retreat for relaxation and wildlife, while also addressing parking, planning and access considerations.

The owners of a ground-floor Victorian flat in South London sought to rethink their garden space, which previously consisted of a scruffy lawn and a cramped terrace insufficient for furniture. With exclusive access to the rear garden, the clients aimed to transform this area into a vibrant retreat that would serve as an informal spot for relaxation and entertainment. Their vision extended beyond mere aesthetics; they desired a dynamic garden that would attract wildlife and evolve with the seasons. Additionally, the back of the garden presented an opportunity to install a parking space, entangled with a right of way consideration.

Design

Tasked with designing a relatively long garden for the recently extended flat, we focused on creating a harmonious layout while retaining a small existing terrace and retaining walls. Although the current space did not accommodate a large dining table, preserving this area was essential for budget management and minimising waste. The garden was surrounded by several mature trees and shrubs that would inform the planting design. The clients prioritised a spacious dining area alongside informal seating options and a fire pit to enhance the semi-wild character they desired.

Despite occupying a small urban footprint of 18.5m by 9.4m, the garden proved less shady than initially anticipated due to the high canopies of neighbouring trees. Keeping the wild aesthetic in mind, we developed a linear layout that would bring organisation to the garden while allowing plant growth to soften and blur the lines between designated areas and paths.

Preparation and Build

Initially, we considered using light Cotswold chippings and Egyptian limestone as the primary landscaping materials, proposing an extension and replacement of the existing slate terrace with matching paving. However, given the clients’ budget constraints, we opted to retain the slate flooring, as it complemented the interior of the flat well. To ensure a cohesive transition between the garden and the terrace, we designed two wide limestone steps into the retaining brick wall, inviting movement between the spaces.

Our design included three distinct seating areas to enhance usability and encourage enjoyment of the garden. The first is an L-shaped iroko bench built into the corner of the existing terrace, providing a cosy spot for morning coffee. The second area features a two-seat lounging space with a fire pit, perfect for intimate gatherings. The final seating area serves as a designated dining space for entertaining, elegantly defined by a terrace of limestone paving and enclosed with deep planting beds for privacy.

Given the garden’s location within a conservation area, we also needed to secure planning permission to create a screened parking space and modify the existing rear garden wall. After receiving objections from the local community association, we presented a comprehensive case for change, explaining that the proposed off-street parking would accommodate an electric vehicle, ultimately freeing up additional space on the street which won approval.

Planting

The planting scheme for the garden was artfully crafted to complement the overall design while achieving the clients’ vision of a wild yet harmonious environment. Carefully selected plants that thrive in the changing climate were chosen to enhance the garden’s lush appearance. Diverse plant species were integrated into deep planting beds, providing texture and colour that evolved with the seasons.

The coexistence of structured pathways and informal planting supports both the garden’s aesthetic appeal and functionality. In a relatively short time, the planting has created a natural and inviting atmosphere, seamlessly blending into the surroundings. The completed garden now serves as an inviting extension of the home, perfect for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying nature within an urban setting.