This front garden descends to the semi-basement, designed to bring colour and interest both at and below street level. We made the most of the clients' existing plants and planters, relocating an acer and a bay tree to enhance structure and emphasize the garden's vertical and horizontal lines. A new wisteria trained along the railings, adds a sensory touch for passers-by. The planting features discreet mounds of texture and color, carefully selected to thrive in the garden’s sheltered, low-light environment.
The garden steps down from the street in this corner site. The relocated bay standard and a Japanese acer, have established well in their new positions.
The view from the front door shows the range of colour and texture which is highlighted by the white pebbles. Our selection of tough perennial plants will grow to a variety of colours, textures and sizes; some will almost merge, while others will keep their shape clearly.
The planting plays with the verticals and horizontals of the space, contrasting with mound-shaped plants.
We used white pebbles as mulchin order to reflect light in this shady corner. They also help to highlight the different plant colours and textures as well as weed supression and moisture retention.
At the back of the house, we built a trellis on the upper terrace which allows the grape vine to surround the dining area. New planters to the rear hide the car in its off-street parking spot.
We loved the clients’ tiled frieze on the wall of the lower terrace, and based the colour palate for planting from it.
The rear terrace includes new planters, and underplanting to the existing olive trees. A new structure is designed to be covered by the vine which now surrounds the terrace.
Sketch of the front stepped garden. Colours for the rear gardens were inspired by the clients’ tiled frieze. We repositioned and replanted the clients’ planters, adding a couple more to complete the scheme.