Garden Tour: A Modest Plot With Space For Two Seating Zones
Black and copper combine with pretty, low-key planting to create a relaxed space for outdoor entertaining
Amanda Pollard
4 June 2019
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
After an extensive renovation, the owners of this Victorian property were left with quite a dilapidated garden, so they called in designer Neil Jones to help give their outside space a makeover to match the interior.
Some careful design choices and thoughtful space planning enabled Neil to create a garden his clients could enjoy from inside and out, all year round.
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
Some careful design choices and thoughtful space planning enabled Neil to create a garden his clients could enjoy from inside and out, all year round.
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
Garden at a Glance
Who lives here? A professional couple
Location Winchester, Hampshire
Property A Victorian townhouse with three bedrooms
Garden dimensions 11 x 6m (not including the firepit recess at the back)
Garden designer Neil Jones of Neil Jones Design
It was the copper finishes in the kitchen of this Victorian home that kicked off some of the material choices in the garden. “I wanted the outside space to blend subtly with the inside space,” Neil says.
He used Corten steel surfaces around the garden, which replicate those same warm, earthy tones.
Who lives here? A professional couple
Location Winchester, Hampshire
Property A Victorian townhouse with three bedrooms
Garden dimensions 11 x 6m (not including the firepit recess at the back)
Garden designer Neil Jones of Neil Jones Design
It was the copper finishes in the kitchen of this Victorian home that kicked off some of the material choices in the garden. “I wanted the outside space to blend subtly with the inside space,” Neil says.
He used Corten steel surfaces around the garden, which replicate those same warm, earthy tones.
“The couple had made an effort to restore the house, so then they turned to the garden,” Neil says. “It was a dumping ground during the works – there was broken paving, no lawn and overgrown plants. We took everything out and started again.”
Need help with your garden makeover? Read reviews of local landscape architects and garden designers.
Need help with your garden makeover? Read reviews of local landscape architects and garden designers.
The couple like to entertain friends, so Neil planned the space to incorporate two seating areas. Next to the house is a decked terrace, while at the back is a patio with a firepit and dining table.
The black decking is a composite material, which is durable and won’t fade. “The decking enabled us to bring the terrace up to the same height as the door threshold,” Neil explains.
Composite decking, Millboard.
The black decking is a composite material, which is durable and won’t fade. “The decking enabled us to bring the terrace up to the same height as the door threshold,” Neil explains.
Composite decking, Millboard.
To the right is a raised planter, filled with herbs. “I think it’s nice to have a lot of casual seating where people can perch with a drink,” Neil says, “so we built a seat onto the edge of the planter.
“The planter itself was off-the-shelf, but we made an internal frame to support the seat,” he explains.
“The planter itself was off-the-shelf, but we made an internal frame to support the seat,” he explains.
A pathway leads up to the rear seating area. “It’s natural stone paving, which has been sealed so it won’t stain,” Neil says. “We positioned the slabs within the flowerbeds, which helps to slow your journey.”
Low-level thyme and ornamental flowers are dotted along, and spiked downlighters subtly lead the way. The couple were drawn to plants in shades of white, purple and pink, so Neil went for scented varieties such as jasmine and lavender and added some euphorbia for its zesty lime tones.
Natural stone paving, London Stone.
Low-level thyme and ornamental flowers are dotted along, and spiked downlighters subtly lead the way. The couple were drawn to plants in shades of white, purple and pink, so Neil went for scented varieties such as jasmine and lavender and added some euphorbia for its zesty lime tones.
Natural stone paving, London Stone.
A row of small clay pavers cuts through the pathway and separates the two lawn areas. “Black is another accent colour in the garden, so I chose the darkest pavers I could find,” Neil says.
Clay pavers, CED.
Clay pavers, CED.
As well as space for entertaining, the owners requested some high screening for privacy at the back of the garden.
“I designed this slatted fence and painted it black,” Neil says. “The horizontal lines help to make the garden feel wider and the recessive black colour visually elongates the space.”
Neil planted pleached trees in front to add a high ‘hedge’ along the top without concealing the feature fence. These trees have uplighters below to accentuate their shape in the evening.
Fence painted in black, Sadolin.
“I designed this slatted fence and painted it black,” Neil says. “The horizontal lines help to make the garden feel wider and the recessive black colour visually elongates the space.”
Neil planted pleached trees in front to add a high ‘hedge’ along the top without concealing the feature fence. These trees have uplighters below to accentuate their shape in the evening.
Fence painted in black, Sadolin.
The couple needed to replace the fence. To create a symmetrical frame for the garden, they consulted with their neighbours to change both sides so the fence panels match.
“These featherboard fences were made on site and will go a lovely silver colour over time,” Neil says.
Want to change your fence? Check out this essential guide to choosing and installing a garden fence.
“These featherboard fences were made on site and will go a lovely silver colour over time,” Neil says.
Want to change your fence? Check out this essential guide to choosing and installing a garden fence.
“We made the most of a recess at the back of the garden to create a seating area and pergola,” Neil says. The pergola is made from a square black frame with thin Corten steel rods positioned along the top. “The rods give support without the need for chunky beams, and they will rust down over time,” he says.
The floor of the seating area is laid with a permeable, self-binding gravel, which hardens to a crust with a little loose material on top. “It doesn’t get displaced like loose gravel, and it won’t green up too much” Neil says.
Selfbinda path gravel, Allgreen.
The floor of the seating area is laid with a permeable, self-binding gravel, which hardens to a crust with a little loose material on top. “It doesn’t get displaced like loose gravel, and it won’t green up too much” Neil says.
Selfbinda path gravel, Allgreen.
The Corten steel firepit behind is flanked on both sides by tall log storage. “We’d originally intended to build a bespoke concrete fireplace,” Neil says. “However, it was more cost-effective to source an off-the-shelf one.”
The logs on either side add another earthy layer beside the black fence and enhance the overall feel of this relaxed garden.
Corten steel garden fire, Adezz.
Tell us…
What do you like about this sociable garden? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
The logs on either side add another earthy layer beside the black fence and enhance the overall feel of this relaxed garden.
Corten steel garden fire, Adezz.
Tell us…
What do you like about this sociable garden? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Related Stories
Gardening
How Do I Create a Drought-tolerant Garden?
By Kate Burt
As summers heat up, plants that need less water are increasingly desirable. Luckily, there are lots of beautiful options
Full Story
Garden Inspiration
5 Inspiring Before and After Garden Transformations
Check out what a difference designers have made to these once dull plots, visually expanding spaces and creating privacy
Full Story
Garden Inspiration
How to Disguise Rubbish and Recycling Bins Outside Your Home
Need to hide unsightly bins in your garden or driveway? Take a look at these clever ideas for inspiration
Full Story
Garden Tours
Garden Tour: A Bare Roof Terrace Becomes a Pretty, Sociable Space
By Kate Burt
A retired couple got help transforming their large rooftop into a gorgeous, welcoming, multi-functional retreat
Full Story
Garden Planning
Can I Have a Lawn-free Garden That’s Kind to the Environment?
Try these tips to help you plan a garden without grass that’s still leafy and eco-friendly
Full Story
Garden Inspiration
7 Things People Don’t Tell You About Designing a Garden
Uncover some of the more surprising elements of planning a garden redesign
Full Story
Garden Inspiration
9 Ways to Create a More Sustainable Garden
Simple, effective ideas for reducing your environmental footprint and creating a beautiful garden
Full Story
Garden Inspiration
18 Soul-soothing Green Roofs
By Kate Burt
Whether you choose sedum, wildflowers, or a mix, a living roof can be a beautiful and biodiverse addition to your home
Full Story
Garden Inspiration
9 Ways to Enjoy Colour in Your Garden All Year Round
By Kate Burt
However your garden grows, you can add colour with hardscaping, furniture and accessories
Full Story
Garden Planning
How to Identify Your Garden Design Style
Before starting an outdoor renovation, take the time to determine which garden style suits your taste and site
Full Story
The deck is Millboard ‘Enhanced Grain’ Chared Oak which has now been replaced by Burnt Cedar.
Neil Jones designs the most beautiful gardens! I love this garden. It is sculptured without being clinical and has a real elegance to it. I wish I could afford you, Neil.
I love the green, white and purple - they work so well. Lots of lovely ideas to copy - thanks.