Hastings

The client wanted a traditional, informal garden with lots of curves, somewhere the whole family could actually use, not just look at. So we broke the space into distinct areas, each with its own purpose.

An oak bespoke circular pergola anchors the outside dining area. Nearby, a circular firepit gives the family somewhere to sit out in the evenings, and a large circular lawn gives the dog and kids room to run.

Planting ties the sections together, with swathes of ornamental grasses and perennials chosen for interest through the seasons.

The garden’s main design focus is large circular bespoke paving slabs, edged with creeping sedum that you can also walk across. The slabs link the whole garden together, connecting the dining area, firepit and circular lawn.

We carried the circular theme vertically too, with a bespoke oak pergola echoing the shape at height.

Materials mix traditional and modern dark clay pavers bring a contemporary feel while tying in with the house and outbuilding.

Large evergreen planting creates privacy, alongside statement multi-stem trees and Trachelospermum ‘jasminoides’ climbers trained up the pergola.

The clients are thrilled with how the garden has turned out. The circular elements—pavers, fire pit, lawn, pergola, unify the space and give it a strong sense of identity throughout.

The paving is a particular highlight; varying sizes of circular slabs create interest, and once the surrounding Sedum flowers, the effect is stunning. The curved steps leading into the garden echo the same theme, tying the whole design together from entrance to the lawn.

The dining pergola has become the spot for Sunday lunches; soft lighting extends that use into the evening.

Planting was chosen with the same care as the hard landscaping; soft pastel tones and ornamental grasses give the garden structure and colour through every season, not just summer.

Built by  Concept designs

Designed and planted by Ivy and Whyte Garden Design

Plants from Palmstead