Inner City Oasis
Stanmore - Landscape Design Project
The exterior spaces of this wonderful Victorian Terrace house in Stanmore were crying out for a dramatic transformation. The challenge for us was to convert small, awkward areas into useful, functional spaces that were also beautiful and abundant with plant life.
The house itself has beautiful lines and good bones which was a great starting point from which to revitalise and renovate this Victorian gem.
BEFORE
AFTER
Our client absolutely loves plants, so the brief was to pack as much green-life punch into the area as possible to create an inner-city oasis. Somewhere to relax and recharge, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life!
A built-in cantilevered bench provided a much, needed destination point within the space to act as a magnet to draw people into the garden by providing a place to sit. The bench takes up very little room yet, gives the wonderful illusion of an open space.
BEFORE
AFTER
The old brick paving was replaced with a smart natural split stone, keeping an organic earthy tone with a slick, modern feel. A raised planter runs along the perimeter of the garden and is planted full of Magnolia, Dracaena, and Cordyline which provides privacy screening and doesn’t infringe on the living space. The plant palette highlights a variety of textures and shapes within the foliage to soften the space and make it feel like a fertile little jungle. In fact, the space has a wonderful, open and unfettered air about it.
Clusters of pendant lights hang off the rafters under the balconies overhead to add a festive atmosphere at night, blowing around lightly in the breeze. A timber slatted screen was installed as a gate but also disguises the car and driveway while creating a strong visual statement.
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Through Winter
Falling leaves throughout Autumn and Winter can be a constant job and a major headache, keeping paths, steps, decks and lawns clear.