This small garden in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire was designed by James Scott to meet the requirements of a professional couple. They wanted a garden where they could entertain their friends and also relax after a hard day’s work. They wanted the garden to look good all year but also to enjoy the changing seasons and have lots of flowering plants. Encouraging birds, bees and butterflies to the garden was important. Our clients also wished to have a small kitchen garden and greenhouse. Other requirements included a shed for garden tools and bikes. The total garden area was approx. 150m2.
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Black basalt was chosen as the main paving material for its strong impact and contemporary feel. A naturalistic plant palette was used over the strong underlying geometry, mixing herbs and ornamentals, native plants and perennial cultivars threaded through a structure of small trees and shrubs. Sensitive blending of materials and shapes lead the eye softly around the garden from one space to another. Although it is a small garden, there are still several distinct areas to explore. Careful consideration was given to reducing overgrown hedges to open new views to trees beyond and create a space for a new dining terrace. Some sensitive screening was introduced to ensure privacy and a sense of security.