After 45 years in her beautiful Victorian home, our client saw new potential in her back garden after a large tree had been removed, and the back wall was beautifully restored by a stone mason.  A previously dead space became a blank canvas full of possibilities.

She had a clear vision: create a space where she could entertain friends for coffee mornings and host family gatherings. She didn't want anything too polished or pristine, rather she wanted to honour her Victorian home's character by creating something that felt natural and lived in.

Our Approach

Working with garden consultant and designer Nick Burton, we focused on creating a space that would act as a natural extension of the house, would age well, and that respected the heritage of the house and the neighbourhood. Instead of formal, straight lines, we created flowing pathways that would guide visitors naturally from the orangery to the central garden dining area. The star of the show.

What we did

• We installed clay paving slabs to echo the Victorian era and complement the historic stonework.

• Used mixed materials throughout to combine old and new for visual interest and authenticity.

• Created a show-stopping central dining area as the garden's focal point, framing it perfectly with relaxed, natural planting.

• Used perennials that would provide colour and height without looking too polished.

• Reduced waste by reusing some of the old materials for a new purpose, saving them from landfill and saving the client money. 

The Great Root Challenge

The biggest challenge came from the massive root system left behind by the removed tree. It spread right across the whole garden. Instead of trying to dig it all out (which would have difficult, time-consuming, and expensive), we got creative. We decided to build the garden up rather than dig down.

We used a Tiger Bite machine to crush up the old concrete slabs that were otherwise destined for landfill and turns them into usable aggregate. Instead of hauling away all the old paving and trucking in tons of new aggregate materials, we recycled everything on-site. This saved our client around £2,500 and was a win for the environment too.

Growing Old Gracefully

One thing we particularly love about this project is how it's designed to get better with age. The client specifically didn't want everything to stay looking brand new. The materials we chose will weather and age alongside her Victorian home, becoming more authentic and characterful over time.

Keeping it beautiful

The garden is also now relatively low maintenance. We recommended our light maintenance service every 2-3 weeks to keep the plants looking their absolute best. The perennials will need cutting back seasonally, and the pathways might need repointing in the future, but the overall approach is to let the space age gracefully rather than fighting to keep it looking pristine.

The Results: Beyond Expectations

When we finished, our client said the garden was "what she wanted and much more".

The garden does exactly what she dreamed of. It's become the go-to spot for family gatherings and friend get-togethers. When the extended family comes to visit, everyone naturally gravitates to this beautiful outdoor space.

This project is a perfect example of the passion, skills, and experience that Fern Landscape Garden Co. brings to every job. Creative problem-solving, respect for your property's character and history, and the ability to turn dreams into reality efficiently and beautifully. Working with period properties requires understanding not just what looks good now, but what will look even better as it ages.

We don't just build gardens. We create outdoor spaces where life happens, simply. Whether it's a family celebration, a quiet lunch with friends, or just enjoying your morning coffee among the plants, we build spaces that work for real life.