The client brief for this newly renovated Edwardian property with open views onto the garden, from the kitchen/diner and lounge, was to create a peaceful outdoor space incorporating the clients collection of Acer trees.  Inspiration from Persian and Japanese gardens had to be incorporated whilst not loosing the gardens sense of place or incorporating too obvious stereotypes.  The red brick wall at the far end of the garden was to be kept in view from the house whilst also incorporating planting, water feature, level changes and a couple of seating areas.

Level access glides from the house out into the garden creating a seamless divide into a calm paved dining space. Seated from here views through the garden begin a staggered raised bed with integrated corten steel water feature which cascades into a lower pool.  Off centred, elegant steps lead to the upper terrace and a single stepping stone across the reflective pool leading to a large lawn.  Secondary seating on compacted gravel, framed with paving is given shelter by incorporating a shade sail.  Resilient planting was designed for the beds with Japanese anemone and late-flowering Asters.  The clients collection of potted plants and Acers create focal points leading the eye through the garden.

The lower water feature with cascade into a lower pool and the upper reflective pool create a sense of tranquillity and calm which will only be enhanced as the planting matures to gently wrap around the open spaces created in this design.