This sloping rear garden, in Uxbridge, west London, had recently been extended through land acquisition to the rear, providing an opportunity to create a new garden that would be easy to maintain, look good all year round, and complement the house. As new patio doors were to be installed opening directly onto the garden, the existing concrete was to be removed and a new, larger terrace in contemporary stone created for dining and entertaining. A large conifer to the rear had to be incorporated into the design. A large lawn, raised beds and water were also important must-haves.
The small change in ground level allowed a raised patio to be constructed. This was accentuated by a lower stepping stone and gravel pathway. Two raised beds were built and capped in the same stone as the patio. A hardwood deck, with built-in seat and spotlights, made the space around the conifer more inviting for relaxation, while a decent expanse of lawn provides a play-space for the owner’s grandchildren. A low-maintenance water table nestles alongside the patio and is complemented by Ophiopogon japonicus, a low-growing evergreen grass that will grow to form a decorative green carpet.