Elmwood Rd

A garden with a compact footprint and unusual shape

Photos © Gary Morrisroe

The Brief

The client wanted to maximise their use of the garden by creating a space that felt inviting, comfortable and connected to the house.

The Challenge

Although the small size and unusual shape created some limitations, we were given the freedom to explore the possibilities. The challenge was fitting everything the client wanted into the space without making it feel cramped or overcrowded.

The Design Response

We aimed to make every part of the garden work as hard as possible with our design, and created a series of strong focal points, so that every view from the house offered interest and a striking impression. We then worked carefully with the shape of the garden to create a layout that felt natural and balanced, while making sure each area had a clear purpose.

At the very back, we introduced a beautiful specimen olive tree as a strong focal point, drawing the eye through the space and giving it a sense of depth. For the seating area, we created a circular brick patio to complement the house walls, and surrounded it with greenery and two flowering trees to frame the space, soften the boundaries, and create a feeling of being immersed in nature. To conserve valuable space, a folding rather than permanent table was installed for outdoor dining. Meanwhile, strategically positioned mirrors reflect the planting and create the illusion of greater depth.

The Result

The result is a garden that feels surprisingly generous for its size, with distinct areas and views that encourage exploration and spending time outdoors. It feels lush, established and full of character, with something to enjoy from every window and doorway.