Mill Park
The Challenge
Stuart and Vicky’s garden presented a creative challenge due to its small size and the range of features they wanted to incorporate. They sought a design that made the most of the space while enhancing privacy and aesthetic appeal.
The Garden Design and Creation
We started by removing the existing lawn and soil, setting out the patio and pathways before compacting scalpings to form the hard landscaping foundation. The colour palette and materials were carefully selected to bring warmth and texture to the garden: tumbled amber limestone paving, mint sandstone setts, and coastal red clay pavers from London Stone. These materials helped create the unique “dragon’s tail” patio, as well as a charming path and seating area behind the fatsia.
Replacing the fence along the far side with a striking blue-grey colour set the tone, and we added a batten screen for added privacy, giving the garden a spacious and airy feel.
A unique circular paved area was formed by cutting into the pathway and arranging a ring of clay pavers around it. The outer ring was set in mortar, holding the circle together, with the interior filled, compacted, and completed with the clay pavers. The central limestone piece was cut freehand, creating a rustic, weathered look that perfectly contrasted with the cooler blue fence backdrop. To ensure durability, we grouted all the paving with VDW 850 Plus and sealed it for long-lasting protection against the elements.
The custom-made pergola added a dramatic focal point. Built from sturdy oak posts set atop staddle stones, it provided both structure and character to the garden. The crossbeams, carefully cut and shaped, added intricate detail and a sense of grandeur. Each part was meticulously measured, aligned, and fitted to achieve a solid, free-standing structure that seamlessly complements the surrounding space.
The New Garden Landscape
Once the hard landscaping was complete, the final steps brought the garden to life. Costa expertly laid the fresh turf, and Vicky, a passionate horticulturist, personally selected and planted a variety of greenery, adding vibrancy and lush texture to the garden. This new outdoor space is now a private retreat, full of character and warmth.
From start to finish, Stuart and Vicky were engaged and enthusiastic about every aspect, making the project a collaborative delight. They were thrilled with the result, and we’re proud to have transformed their once-neglected garden into a space they now love to use and enjoy.