at the start of each project we ask our clients to answer a few questions about their project (what you want, where you want it, why you want it and what your budget is)

we also ask you to send us a video of the site and potentially give us some key dimensions

the client sent us video footage of the areas they wished us to explore along with the following brief:

what do you want to do?

‘landscape the garden, open to ideas ‘

where do you want to do it?

‘the garden surrounds the house, which is detached and the whole garden is available for change‘

why do you want to do it?

‘we have recently returned from living abroad whilst renting the house and the garden requires updating’

what is your budget?

‘not sure?!’

the client asked for initial site analysis to prompt discussion within the family

firstly, the existing fence seems not to lie on the boundary edge of the property - the fence may be able to be moved in order to create more space for parking or a change in location

four dedicated parking spaces are created to the south of the house in the most shaded part of the garden and a well lit path guides residents and visitors to the social area in the back garden

the area next to the parking spaces could also be covered in bark chippings or similar and become space for temporary parking / play

to the north of the house lies the only area of the site that gets full sun, which also happens to be the formal entrance to the house - a cottage garden would take advantage of the sunlight

this area would have the most planting, as well as a quiet seating area, there is a new access from the sun room as well as planting leading to the front door, creating more of an entrance to the house

the south west corner of the plot is one of the shadiest corners of the plot but is also the area which is most visible from the house - here a shade garden could be created with a meandering path to create a ‘secret garden’ for small visitors

because the driveway has been moved and all parking placed to the south of the house, there is now room for a front garden in a key area of the plot which gets the most sunshine

this gives the house a characterful entrance, creating a place of transition between the access gate and the house

this also creates a strong connection to the area of land to the north of the house, which is currently under-used as well as a clear path to the rear garden

the house was extended to create a sun room in the mid ‘90s, in this proposal, the sun room’s current access becomes a window and two new access points are created

first, bi fold doors open out onto the main patio, making the most of an existing underused asset, turning it into the main feature of the garden, with a raised patio area which brings the sun room into the garden and vice-versa

second, the existing access door is relocated to the north elevation giving access to the cottage garden

the document provided to the client showed the existing site, with all the opportunities and constraints, sketches of the proposal and some suggestions for planting in all areas of the garden