The Brief

 

This compact garden may have been small in size, but it offered plenty of potential for a creative transformation.  Originally, the space consisted of a natural lawn and a paved area, alongside two existing sheds that the clients wanted to retain and incorporate into the new design.

 

The brief was to create a contemporary, low-maintenance garden with space for relaxing, dining and entertaining, while making the most of the available area. Interestingly, this project was one of our final hand-drawn garden designs before we moved to digital design and 3D visualisations.

 

The Design

 

Our approach focused on clean lines, carefully defined spaces and a combination of materials that would bring character and interest to the garden without making it feel overcrowded.   Low, rock-filled gabion walls were introduced to create structure and define the different areas.  Although relatively modest in height, these features make a striking visual statement, drawing the eye and adding texture to the contemporary design.

 

Timber raised planting borders provide a softer contrast to the gabions, introducing warmth and natural colour while helping to frame the garden. Together, these elements create an interesting balance between natural materials and modern landscaping.

 

Despite the garden's compact dimensions, we incorporated two separate seating areas, each with its own purpose. The larger seating area is defined by the rock-filled gabions, creating an inviting space for relaxing with friends and family or entertaining outdoors. The clients later introduced subtle solar lighting, allowing them to enjoy this part of the garden long after sunset.  Closer to the house, a second seating area provides a convenient space for outdoor dining, ensuring the garden works just as well for everyday use as it does for entertaining.

 

Artificial grass was chosen to provide a neat, green appearance throughout the year without the regular maintenance of a natural lawn. The planting was also carefully selected to keep maintenance requirements to a minimum while introducing colour, texture and structure.

 

Adding a Personal TouchAn important part of this project was ensuring the garden reflected the clients' personalities.The existing sheds were retained and incorporated into the overall design, while the painted boundary fencing provides a distinctive backdrop and helps define the space. Personalised signs on the sheds, together with the clients' choice of outdoor furniture and accessories, add the finishing touches that make the garden feel truly their own.

 

This transformation demonstrates how clever design and thoughtful material choices can make a significant difference to a smaller outdoor space.By combining contemporary gabion walls, timber raised borders, artificial grass and two practical seating areas, we created a garden that feels stylish, welcoming and surprisingly spacious. The result is a distinctive, low-maintenance outdoor space that makes excellent use of every available area, while allowing the clients to add their own personality and enjoy their garden throughout the seasons. Proof that a small garden really can have big potential.