A SMALL, CLASSIC GARDEN RENOVATION

This front garden was in dire need of a fresh look. The new owners had done their interior renovation, and now looked to the outside spaces to put the finishing touches on the property. A large Liquidambar dominated the front garden, its leaf canopy blocking out the sun, and along with it, any chance of good plant growth underneath (but plenty of weeds). Surface roots sucked moisture out of the soil, and were starting to threaten the brickwork of the house.

The owners wanted something classic, in keeping with the period of the house and the surrounding streets; and as older people, they wanted something they could enjoy without too much work on their part (so, no lawns).

So we came up with a classic, parterre-influenced design, with areas for sitting and walking, which could be maintained in a couple of hours every three months by the local gardener. The shapes in the garden are enjoyed from upstairs as the owners look down on it each morning.

The first thing to go was the tree, which had obviously been planted in too small an area, and clear out the rest of the garden to make a 'clean slate'. The soil was rehabilitated by removing plant roots, cultivating the top layers and adding fresh topsoil mixed with some compost.

In older gardens being re-developed, preparation is key to the new garden's success - soil which has been drawn from by many plants over many years needs replenishment in order for the new plants to thrive.

The planting was very simple - blocks of buxus japonica hedge, with a Magnolia 'Little Gem' in the centre of each; a central paved area features a classic stone urn, which is planted out with colourful annuals each season; and a row of Lavandula dentata across the hot west-facing wall of the house provide some colour contrast and scent.