Wayside Project, Richmond: an overlooked lawn becomes a garden to live in

A Richmond back garden that neighbours could see into now has a raised stone patio, a timber pergola and planting built for every season.

Design by Fanny Nilsson. Built by Londoners Garden SW18.

When we first looked at this garden, the lawn was worn at the entrance and in poor condition. The space was overlooked by neighbours, and a neighbour's bamboo was creeping over the boundary. A magnolia had to come out, and the curved stone patio needed replacing.

We kept what was worth keeping. The mature apple tree stays, and the wisteria will be trained over the new pergola. Peonies, hydrangeas, jasmine and variegated pittosporum were lifted so they could go back in. The old turf came up, fresh topsoil went down, and the lawn was returfed.

Then came the hard landscaping. The curved patio was replaced with a raised stone patio, level with the extension, laid in light grey porcelain. Dark grey clay brick edges it. A contemporary timber pergola reaches out over the dining area, with a fabric shade sail that slides across for summer shade.

The details are what make it feel finished. Light grey porcelain pavers are set into the lawn as stepping stones, recessed so the mower runs over them easily. The fence is painted dark grey and clad in slatted timber, and evergreen jasmine climbs a wire trellis. A multi-stem birch screens the view from next door, and white lilacs frame the seating area and brighten it in the shade.

A raised brick bed, edged in black metal, is planted with evergreens, perennials and spring bulbs for interest all year.

The result is a garden made for daily life. There is room for a six to eight seater dining set with an extendable table, and space for a two or three seater sofa or bench with cushions to relax in the sun. Pots of sage, rosemary and lemon verbena add to the planting.

The planting and lighting went in as designed, and the whole project came in on a £30,000 budget.

Could your garden be the next project? Book a free site visit and we will walk the space with you. You can also request a quote through our website.