The owner of this 1960's home in Loughborough, had a clear vision of what she wanted her garden to be like and how she would us her outdoor living space. To realise her dreams, Bel used her expertise and knowledge to develop garden zones with a relaxing feel. The key requirements for the space were to screen the unsightly garage, create a seaside inspired upper terrace, design a calming patio area for yoga practice on the lower terrace and to revamp the existing raised sleeper beds and decking. The property has far reaching views of the countryside beyond which the client was keen to use as borrowed landscape. However, neighboring proprieties interrupted this view and have overlooking windows so privacy screening needed to be worked into the garden design plan...  

The sloping site had a quirky layout with the existing landscaped areas poorly juxtaposed and unsafe steps to the lower levels. With a modest budget, some of the existing elements were combined into the new design allowing the client to make the most effective use of her funds. Find out more about Garden Design

The lawn was removed and the existing patio relaid with contemporary Indian sandstone paving in grey.  With the need to access several doors to the property and outbuildings, inset paved pathways where created within a gravel seaside style area on the upper level. The client was keen to add soft naturalistic planting into the gravel area and have screening trees and grasses to hide the neighboring buildings.  To the left boundary more lush planting was required which could tumble over the corten steel edging on to the gravel to soften the look of the space...​

Before Transformation

The dangerous steps need to be replaced and incorporated into the new layout. The solution - move the site of the steps and create a generous flight of steps which descend into the decking and to the lower seating area. The steps are constructed of sandstone treads and timber sleeper risers with gravel edgings and have been designed to link in with the style of the raised beds on either side.

Privacy screening was a key desire for the client which Bel addressed with suitable planting and a bespoke arbour with additional timber privacy screening. Beneath, the inset sandstone pavers allow room for a bench and table for entertaining amongst a sea of budget friendly gravel.  Climbers will add greenery and scent to this calming space as the garden develops.  Find out more about the Garden Design Process.

"I have thoroughly loved every minute spent in my new garden, completed July 2019. Bel's design reflected exactly what I asked for, which was for a soft seaside feel for a relaxed environment, whilst making the most of the quirky shape, and different levels in my garden, and I think that she nailed it! Bel walked me through each stage and was flexible to my thoughts whilst still making good suggestions which added detail and a contemporary twist. You can see how my 1970's garage was transformed with the wooden slats, echoed throughout the garden and the lovely sweeping shape the stones make in comparison to the traditional lawn. Bel recommended some great landscapers too, who did a fantastic job (Soar Valley Services), Graham's team worked through to completion while I was away at work and were super tidy and considerate to my neighbours. I'm looking forward to see the garden fill out over this coming year and see how the plants come together. Quite a transformation! Overall very pleased."

Do you want to know how much it costs to transform a garden like this? 
See Bel's articles in the Advice Hub  which advises on budgeting for your Garden Design or Planting Design project