Small terraced garden

Before

The client asked for a small pond and perennial planting to be easier to maintain than the previous veg beds.

Ideally, they wanted the pond to become a home for toads and frogs. They also agreed that the wisteria had become too large and needed to be removed.

The section of the garden to be redesigned was originally a set of vegetable beds with gravel access paths and a tiny patio to catch the evening sun. A large back fence was dominated by a wisteria which had clearly outgrown the space.

The washing line was dominant at the front and needed to be incorporated yet also disguised.

After

The tiny patio was in very good condition and a lovely spot for the evening sun so a winding path was created to access it from the larger patio, by the house.

The pond was placed near the smaller patio for a good viewing point and initially was quite stark. Re-using the existing gravel and saving some plants for re-siting helped to create a mature feel to the new garden.

Introducing arches added height and meant the rear fence didn’t seem quite so imposing. Adding trellis and climbing plants to the walls will increase colour and texture over time and will provide habitats and hiding places for birds as they come to the feeders and to bathe in the pond.

The washing line was re-located to the rear, opposite the small patio so it wasn’t as intrusive but is still accessible from the path.

As the garden has evolved, the planting has grown up and developed with seasonal variation and lots of bee friendly flowers.

16 months after the initial transformation the planting has developed and filled out, suppressing weeds and looks really established.

The clients are very happy with this tranquil space and are delighted with the amount of wildlife that has appeared.

Tanya Willis Garden Design