The Close
The Challenge
Roger and Natalie envisioned a large, elegant patio to complement their home and office, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and the garden. The scale of the project presented challenges with complex curves and heavy Italian porcelain slabs from @lea_ceramiche, which required precision and patience to install. Additionally, the layout of the office and house wasn’t square, so we needed to adjust the design on-site for aesthetic alignment and fluidity.
The Garden Design and Creation
The patio installation was a significant undertaking. The beautifully varied slabs added texture, subtle patterning, and character, and while laying oversized slabs was challenging, the progress was impressive—27 slabs in one day! We focused on achieving a perfect curve, carefully mapping it out with Roger to ensure a smooth, flowing shape that would meet the new lawn seamlessly.
Our approach included overlaying the slabs to allow for adjustments until all parties were pleased with the curve. Once satisfied, we cut through the excess for a flawless edge that transitions into the turf. We also modified the original layout around the office area to run parallel with the main patio for a consistent and harmonious finish. Despite the additional labour of making intricate cuts, the result was worth it, ensuring that the paving looked cohesive throughout.
As the hardscaping progressed, we faced a tight timeline. To save time and guarantee a high-quality finish, Adam enlisted help from @rickymullenuk of Bosham Landscapes to build a small retaining wall for the new plant bed. Ricky's offer to take on the work himself was invaluable, allowing us to focus on other tasks and move the project along efficiently.
Once the patio and wall were complete, we stripped more turf than initially planned to achieve a smooth level with the paving. After re-turfing, we returned to plant an array of shrubs and structural elements from @northhillnurseries, enhancing the space with lush greenery. The standout feature was a tree fern from @flourish_plants_uk, gifted to Roger and Natalie from us, to add height and a tropical touch. Plants like echinaceas, pennisetums, and agapanthus added colour and movement, while verbenas provided height and structure along the path.
The New Garden Landscape
After the final planting and a fresh layer of mulch, the garden transformed into a vibrant, inviting space. With the new turf well-established, Roger and Natalie’s children, Tillie and William, could finally run, jump, and play on it—much to their delight! This once-unused space is now a beautiful, family-friendly oasis where they can relax and enjoy the outdoors.