The brief was to design a layout for a new path to connect the existing patio to the garden room, to create two new seating areas, one in the shade and one in the sun. To inject some colour into the garden by introducing some new flower borders, to create a pond for wildlife, and to use reclaimed materials where possible.
I selected reclaimed red brick pavers for the path. My inclusion of a circular lawn within a brick edge was to enable the existing patio stones to blend with the brick pavers, using stepping stones of a similar colour to the patio. This created a seamless transition of materials and colours, blending old and new.
I continued the circular theme with the new patio in the shade, this was flanked by vertical oak posts, reducing in height as they cupped the edge of the patio, creating a cosy backdrop to the seating area, but also to use the same materials as the new garden room. The same colour stain was applied to the posts which blended well with the garden room.
They also added much needed height to the left hand side of the garden, balancing out the imposing garden room.
These posts were drilled with a design of bees and dragonflies. On the side of the posts were holes drilled for bees, at the correct depth and angle to provide shelter for solitary bees. Planting around the base of each post softened the look with shade loving perennials.
I introduced a wooden arbour of larger proportions than standard to the left hand side of the garden. Roses have been planted to grow gracefully over this in time. There is a bench positioned beyond this arbour which catches the last rays of sun during the day. From the other side of the garden, it creates a lovely focal point.
I chose the small stepping stones that run up the left hand side as an almost secret passageway up the garden, as it runs behind the newly created large flower border which incorporates a beautiful multi stemmed tree.