Small modern courtyard garden

This small rear garden, measuring just 65 m2, was dominated by a large Gleditsia tree that was dying and therefore required removal. Fortunately, this created the opportunity for the whole space to be completely re-designed to better meet the client's needs. The decision was taken early on to also get rid of an old wooden shed and small log cabin in favour of a more modern garden building that would serve as both a home office and additional space in which to relax or entertain. The design objective was to create a contemporary low-maintenance garden for outdoor dining and time-out. The change in ground levels was dealt with by creating two wide steps leading from the lower dining patio up to the new garden studio zone. A contemporary garden studio was installed which, at 4m x 3m, perfectly fitted the available space. The client's existing garden furniture was retained and this influenced the choice and colour of hard landscaping materials to ensure a cohesive look and feel. Existing boundary fencing and willow hurdle screens were replaced where necessary and all were painted black to create a uniform backdrop for new plants. Raised beds constructed in rendered concrete blocks were painted a dark grey to match the anthracite grey of the garden studio and further extend the dramatic contrast with perennial planting. Plants are a low-maintenance mix of evergreens with Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball' and Nandina domestica delivering year-round structure while summer stunners Verbena bonariensis, Salvia nemorosa Caradonna and Euphorbia martinii provide the pops of colour. The drama is heightened after dark with garden lighting in the steps and raised beds. The result is a space that ticks all the client's boxes: a contemporary, low maintenance courtyard with separate spaces for entertaining and home working, all softened with ornamental planting.