The owners brief for this Cotswold stone property was to provide them with an new, exciting, contemporary garden with a wow factor – a place where they could relax and entertain their family and friends. The site was an open canvas, where only a few trees (of no value) needed to be removed.

A large rill plays centre stage, curving out into the garden, expanding the space. The water reflects the sky and the encircling bold swathes of planting. Bowl fountains punctuate the rill, providing soft sound and ripples in the water. Terraces and pathways are constructed of smooth Darleymoor buff Yorkstone, giving a light air to the garden and mirroring the inside to out. Bull-nosed paving, which gives a smooth continuous edge to the rill perimeter. Yorkstone setts add contrast to the pathways that lead towards and encircle the central focal point featuring a dramatic contemporary steel sculpture. Sweeping bold borders of structural grasses surround the rill, giving movement and texture with hues changing from greens to bronze throughout the seasons. Weaving through the grasses to add contrast are plantings of spring bulbs, alliums, lavender and salvias. Beautiful large stone planters (seasonally planted), give accent to the terraces and add interest to the outside seating areas and an impacting view out from the house. A stylish architect designed a covered dining area with inbuilt kitchen and an outdoor fire place compliments the style of the garden perfectly. Subtle lighting enhances the garden at night, highlighting the rill and a few other garden elements.

Flowing borders encircle the garden which are filled with shrubs and massed planting of perennials. Colours flow from one zone to another, from hot tones to more muted hues. Ornamental trees provide blossom, structure, autumn colour and frame the views of the fields beyond with a hornbeam hedge providing a barrier to the cold winter winds. A gate leads out from the garden into the children’s play area and on the perimeter, there are grass mounds planted with multi-stem birch trees.

An exciting modern garden with strong flowing lines, planted for all the seasons to give a dramatic landscape for the owners to enjoy.

This garden won the Association of Landscapers Award for the Best Overall Garden.