Sidcup – Mediterranean Garden

This family garden in the heart of Sidcup and belonging to a large Victorian house was due for renovation. The owners, both busy executives working in London, wanted a garden that was of a modern style and a Mediterranean look.

Although they wanted to be able to do some gardening, this would have to be minimal and so a low maintenance garden was necessary, but with a small vegetable plot for them and their daughter.

There was to be a workshop in the garden for a variety of hobbies and this gave the opportunity to finish the block work building in a white render, the first of the Mediterranean aspects.

Having established the client brief, we looked in concept at a number of options and from these and the clients thoughts developed a garden layout plan and elevations. To help visualise the garden we created a 3D model that helped us be sure of what the planting, in particular, would look like.

With a large area to the side of the house, we were able to create a patio area with a courtyard feel to it and ready for Olive and Bougainvillea plants in pots. Raised beds were established to the sides of the garden and with a sizeable Cordyline in each the eye is drawn further down the garden to the trees beyond. As you pass between the beds their individual plants attract attention. Against the white walls of the workshop are set small ornamental trees such as Contorted Hazel (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’), Fig (brown turkey) and an apple cordon. The central area was set to patio and surrounded by gravel with random planting to further the Mediterranean look.

Some difficulties had to be overcome such as working foundations around the neighbouring garden tree roots and bringing materials through the house.
It was very satisfying for all seeing all the ideas and hard work come to fruition and the family and friends enjoying the garden as the design intent.