The fun part in our role as garden designers is the vast variety of gardens we see, ranging from window boxes to very large gardens and everything in between. Coupled with this is the range of ideas and styles requested by clients. Our job is to interpret their wishes, give professional ideas and advice, distil all this down and produce a successful bespoke design solution.
The Briefs for these two small Edinburgh gardens could not be more different – yet I love them both.
A Small Edinburgh Mews Garden
Two Small Gardens – two different styles and briefs
A Mews Courtyard
The owners of a small semi-shaded Edinburgh mews courtyard garden were looking for a contemporary, relaxing stylish outdoor space, with planting giving year round interest in containers for easier maintenance.
In contemporary gardens, the selection of all materials and plants are crucial to give a contemporary feel. In this garden high quality sandstone paving with a modern sawn surface finish was chosen. Western red cedar wooden slatted screen fencing encloses the garden. The planting completed the contemporary style in bespoke containers with both evergreen structure and contrasting soft foliage and flowers with a limited colour palette. Less is very much more in terms of style in this small mews courtyard.
Two Small Gardens – two different styles and briefs
A Small Plant Lover’s Garden
In contrast, the Brief for the second small south facing garden was a design for a soft, flowing, informal garden to grow plants and flowers in, to sit in, relax and eat in.
In practical plant growing terms, a shed, greenhouse and room for cold frames needed to be accommodated, plus a sitting area. A series of organic shaped plant beds were designed, edged in corten steel, intersected by gravel pathways linking the whole area. Around the boundaries, upright wooden posts with horizontal wires provide a framework for trained fruit trees, adding a feeling of privacy and seasonal interest with spring blossom and autumn fruit. No space was wasted.
The client, a plant lover wished to handle the planting, so over an enjoyable chat over a cup of coffee, lots of ideas were bounced around. I think the client did a beautiful job.
Two Small Gardens – two different styles and briefs
Both spaces, although very different in style provide their owners with gardens they enjoy spending time in alone or with friends and family – much needed in recent times.
If you would like to read more about these two small gardens, please click the links below: