Transforming a small, steeply sloped back garden into a functional and inviting space came with its own set of unique challenges. Careful terracing was required to create a balanced, accessible layout, while the design needed to maximise usable space by incorporating multiple sitting areas. The result is a stunning garden oasis that feels expansive and harmonious. To achieve this, the design team employed a diagonal layout grid, where each partition sits at a different level, creating a dynamic sense of depth and openness. The largest sitting area, located at the bottom of the slope, is a porcelain-paved patio seamlessly connected to the back entrance of the house. Midway up the terrace, a cosy lounging area offers a more secluded retreat, while the top level features a practical utility drying area. These levels are connected by sculptural steps crafted from staggered hardwood and metal mesh platforms, blending functionality with artistic flair. Lush evergreen planting adds softness to the structured design, creating an almost tropical atmosphere. The planting scheme enhances the garden's year-round appeal, providing a vibrant and tranquil backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the clean lines of the hardscaping. This thoughtfully designed garden demonstrates how even challenging terrain can be transformed into a versatile and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space.

Located at Mossy Point is a garden sanctuary tailored to family-friendly entertaining and relaxation. With a focus on seamlessly expanding the home’s entertainment space, this project brings together natural materials and thoughtful landscaping to create an inviting outdoor retreat. Designed to reflect the client’s lifestyle, the garden now features a lounge area, a pool with sun lounges, a cozy fire pit, and a generous lawn for children to play. Our team balanced durability with elegance by emphasising stone and concrete elements, complemented by a lush mix of native and tropical plantings to cultivate a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

A sloping garden for many is a garden curse but for Pen & Barrow is an opportunity to create interest by harnessing and adapting the natural topography of the site. A paddlestone retaining wall forms the main spine for the scheme, incorporating two sets of steps, offset and generously sized to create a meandering pathway through the level changes using paddlestone for the risers and sandstone treads, and all flanked by steel retainers to contrast and compliment the stone.

 The new generous ground level which now projects into the plot was infilled with stabilised pea gravel with a set of staggered meandering sandstone planks connecting the house to the steps continuing the sinuous theme.

Large planting beds at all levels will, once planted, help soften the retaining walls and terrace and frame the pathway through the clients garden.

House shoot on location for Hazel Mill, Slad.

Exterior Architectural Photography by Fatfish Photography

Keller

Raised rendered bed providing a back to the long bench seat

Recycled Deck Fence

Our clients, a young newlywed couple, wanted to create a stylish usable area for entertaining friends. The hardwood L-shaped bench seat with hinged lids is not only a practical storage solution but it’s the center piece of this balcony garden. We installed low voltage hood lights in the bench to provide soft ambient lighting at night. Three Crassula ovate Jade plants in our Tom & Jerry Egg Pots sit within the existing raised planter bed surrounded with Senecio serpens Blue Chalk Sticks. Low voltage LED garden lights accentuate the three Jade plants and bench seating. This is a great example of how to transform a small balcony into a stylish function entertaining space, which has essentially become another room in of the home. www.thebalconygarden.com.au

Stepping stones cluster in from the open driveway area linking the paving and seating spaces. Oil tank screened with trellis and planting.

A contemporary garden for a family in South London. The planting is naturalistic and wildlife friendly, softening the sharp geometry employed in the hard landscaping. Seen here in summer with the echinacea, echinops and kniphofia in full bloom.

Auldton Stoves can supply fantastic garden options to a range of customers looking to style out their courtyard, garden or patio area. This customer fancied something different from others and opted for a taylor made outdoor kitchen finished with granite tops, sink, storage and Kamado Joe Classic 3 Stand Alone BBQ/ Ceramic Oven. the perfect set-up if you ask us.

Courtyard garden with cantilevered seating and new storage shed. Lovely nesting boxes and splashes of colour added by our clients.