Garden Design Virginia Water
New for 2024 will be this fabulous low-maintenance garden design located in Virginia Water, Surrey.
The current garden landscaping has been largely neglected over the years. Old, tired and non-functional it is time for a new garden design. The children, now adults also wish for outdoor living spaces to entertain friends.
Relaxed sofa seating (with shade)
Water feature
Dining area for 10+
Fire-Pit
Wood-fired pizza oven with cupboards & log storage
Low-maintenance planting in a Mediterranean style
Low-voltage LED garden lighting
Automatic watering
Hardscape elements to harmonise with the existing house architecture
The Design Concept
Measuring 11m x 18m it was decided an asymmetrical garden design would be the most functional. Whilst a good size for an urban garden, it is too small for curves for it to be aesthetically pleasing in this outdoor space.
The garden has been divided into separate areas. A formal dining, relaxing sofa and a firepit space.
The Landscaping
Here I have used 3 products for the hard landscaping. Clay pavers, Yorkstone and gravel. Any more than 3 in this sized garden and it would appear busy & confusing to the eye.
My clients love traveling in Europe, especially the Greek Islands so I proposed the use of Yorkstone crazy paving for the new patio. Forget those 80s-styled gardens with loose concrete crazy paving. Reclaimed Yorkstone, when professionally laid & pointed looks impressive.
The riven texture and warm honey tones harmonise perfectly with the house bricks and proposed clay pavers.
Pergola
Adding aesthetic appeal, height and framing the dining area will be a bespoke Oak pergola. The timbers will be allowed to weather naturally to give that bleached wood effect further adding to that Mediterranean feel.
Retractable blinds will be fitted for sun protection & privacy and discreet down lights to make this area inviting.
Pizza Oven & Slow Cooker
Keeping in style with the garden design a traditional wood-burning brick & clay oven will take pride of place on the bespoke kitchen unit.
The unit has been designed with water-tight storage and space for a cubic metre of logs.
Lighting for the cooking area is provided by 3 spotlights mounted on framed panels of Corten steel.
The Firepit
For when the chillier Autumn nights draw in, fire pits are a great way of staying outside for longer.
In this design, a large, bespoke, Corten steel log burning firepit not only looks fabulous but can also function as a BBQ.
Generous log storage is built into the unit with further log storage adjacent to the generously sized oak benches.
In keeping with the pergola frame, giant oak cubes will also provide additional seating for those informal gatherings.
Water Feature
Including water features in a garden design adds movement and visual interest and has been linked to reduced stress levels. Including one in the design was top on the client's brief.
Rather than a standalone water feature I have incorporated it into the design with Yorkstone stepping stones. Directly opposite the French doors, a 1m high Corten steel wall with an LED-lit water blade will form the focal point.
The water will be self-circulating and UV-filtered for crystal-clear water.
Furniture
For this style of garden, teak was the natural choice for both the sofas and dining furniture.
Left untreated the teak will weather to have that silver-grey patina to match the weathered oak pergola and oak seating.
Watering System
With the family spending time away from the house it was decided, early in the process, to install an automatic watering system.
Although all the planting will be sun & drought-tolerant it is important to have irrigation systems in place for settling plants into their new home & extreme conditions which are becoming more frequent.
The outside water pressure is sufficient enough to run a programable system without the need for an additional water tank.
The Plants
Being a garden in full sun and the client's love of travelling in Europe Mediterranean the planting plan includes all the plants on the wish list.
Evergreen Tuscan pruned Olive trees will form the 'garden rooms'. These will offer dappled shade, height & year-round structure.
Other plants will include lavender, agapanthus, sedum, ornamental grasses and a hedge of Pittosporum.
A long border, full of Hydrangea Limelight will provide the wow factor in mid to late summer with its prolific Lime-coloured flowers.
The plants chosen will provide a great balance of summer flowering and winter evergreen interest.
FAQ
If you would like to book a free consultation for creating that perfect outdoor space in Virginia Water or surrounding areas then please contact me on 07867 335745.
Alternatively, use my contact form here for a call back at a time that suits you.