A Retro Garden Reimagined
The brief
From dated to dazzling this is a truly modern garden transformation. When our clients purchased this property in a prestigious Berkshire village, they envisioned replacing the dated house with a striking contemporary home for their family. The garden needed to rise to that same ambition. We had an interesting “first” on this project – a request to install a Petanque court.
The design
Our designer, Helen worked closely with the client to bring their request to life. They envisioned a formal lawn to bridge the house, pool and entertaining spaces.
The generous sweep of green that acts as an elegant extension of each zone. Our clients frequently entertain and on a large scale so the garden needed to offer room to spill out, gather, and move with ease. Its proportions were shaped around that social rhythm, ensuring the landscape feels as welcoming as it is refined.
Our client also had their heart set on a large potted Olive tree, supplied by The Big Plant Nursery, to feature on the sweeping patio.
SOFT LANDSCAPING
We used pleached Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ (pictured below) to create privacy against a border with a neighbour. Here are some other key plants we used in this design, all supplied by The Big Plant Nursery in Twyford:
For winter colour and scent
- Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’
- Daphne Perfume Princess
- Sarcococca confusa
For ground cover
- Geranium Rozanne
- Heuchera ‘Midnight Rose
- Thymus vulgaris
- Vinca minor ‘Atropurpurea’
For summer through to early autumn foliage
- Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’
- Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight
- Libertia grandiflora
- Perovskia ‘Little Spire’
Ornamental grasses for movement and height
- Miscanthus sinensis ‘Starlight
- Stipa tenuissima
Overall Effect
At first glance, you could easily mistake it for the grounds of a luxury Mediterranean villa: clean architectural lines, a shimmering azure pool, and beautifully considered seating areas that invite you to linger.
This garden drags the 1970s, kicking and screaming, into the present day. Gone are the mismatched shrubs, the neglected greenhouse, and the sense of disarray. In their place stands a space that is crisp, confident, and unmistakably modern.
Feeling inspired?
If you would like to start the first step of your journey with us then get in touch to book our consultancy service.
For just £75*, our experienced horticulturalists will provide tailored guidance to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re interested in fast-growing solutions for quick impact, seeking the enduring beauty of evergreen plants or looking to add colour and fragrance, we can offer expert advice.
**£75 fee applies if you live within a 15-mile radius of our office. Additional fees apply outside this area. All costs include VAT.