A New Garden by The Sea

The Brief

Having previously designed and landscaped our client’s former garden, we were thrilled to be invited back to transform her new space. Located near Whitstable on the Kent coast, the design of the new build house took inspiration from the local fisherman’s huts. It only felt natural to complement this aesthetic with a seaside-themed garden landscape.

Garden Elements

Additional Considerations

The garden needed to be designed with a realistic budget in mind, balancing functionality, aesthetic appeal and the client’s enjoyment of the space.

The Challenge Ahead

The sloped garden and lack of privacy were key challenges. The client’s preference for flowing, curved lines required careful consideration in both layout and plant selection from our garden designers. We also had to integrate existing elements, like the large shed, in a way that would complement the garden’s design.

Haywood Landscapes’ Approach

Working with Topography

To address the garden’s slope, we used a ‘cut and fill’ technique to create level terraces, keeping within the fence-line constraints. The design included a gently sloping main area with a sunken patio at the bottom, maximising the functional space.

Creating Inviting Spaces

We built a patio adjacent to the rear French doors, connected by a ‘plank’ stepping-stone path that led to steps descending to a lower sunken patio. The placement of patios at both ends of the garden offers seating options in sun or shade throughout the day. The plank path followed a gentle, double-curved line, visually reinforced by the adjacent lawn edge, extending to form the edge of the upper patio.

Embracing a Coastal Theme

To evoke the coastal atmosphere, we selected plants like thrift, seaside daisies and grasses set among large pebbles. The timber retaining walls between terraces were inspired by local beach groins. For the front garden design, upright grasses and colourful perennials frame the parking bays enhancing the curb appeal.

Planting for Privacy

Two carefully placed small trees will provide privacy as they mature and climbing plants on wire supports will soften the garden’s boundaries. The shed was moved to the garden’s far end screened by shrubs, while the bin store was moved to a shaded side area paved for easy access.

The Results

This coastal-inspired garden provides our client with a low-maintenance, puppy-friendly space that complements her seaside home. The design combines functionality with an aesthetic that brings joy and tranquillity, capturing the essence of a seaside retreat.

Andy and his team of landscapers have transformed my blank canvas garden into what I can only describe as a beautiful haven which absolutely captures how I'd imagined it. But most importantly it is how I feel - every aspect of it brings me joy and makes me smile. Well done everyone at Haywood Landscapes, thank you so much for your hard work, and professionalism, throughout.

Feeling inspired?

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