Assessment:
High walls (1.8m), ground slopes towards house (fall 1 in 50), faces east, overlooked to rear.
Case Study No. 5
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Hard landscaping:
An area of 40 cm square concrete paving slabs, laid diamond pattern, joins the back of the house and is bounded by a low retaining wall (10 cm), the earth from the paved area being banked up. Some pots ‘break up’ the paved area.
A paved path links this area to a second small paved area hidden from view behind a hedge that divides the garden at an angle. One piece of sculpture is placed in the angle of the hedge, a second in the hidden part of the garden. Lamps dramatically light the sculpture at night.
Planting:
Three trees with clear stems, and the hedge, provide privacy. Borders on either side of the hedge are planted with shrubs, perennial flowers and bulbs for year-round interest. A small lawn is a foil for plants and sculpture. No strong colour is used, and mostly green plants are placed near the sculpture.
Garden style:
A semi-formal style with the paving in diamond pattern and the hedge picking up that line. The hedge (1.5 m) causes enclosure in a small garden, but adds mystery and variety. The pieces of sculpture distract from the feeling of enclosure, adding powerful interest in a small space.
Maintenance and cost:
Moderate maintenance; tiny lawn, weeding, tidying. Expensive; sculpture, paving, lighting. Semi-mature trees might be used for quick effect.
