This year, I had the pleasure of working on a garden project in Haywards Heath that truly transformed a dull outdoor space into a vibrant and functional haven.

The Client’s Vision
The client, a motorcycle enthusiast, had lived in the house for some time but had never quite found the time or inspiration to tackle the garden.

Garden photo before landscaping

It was a typical, somewhat boring layout: an uneven patio which received sun for most of the day, a sloping lawn, and a straight, narrow pathway leading to a raised, uneven paved area with a dilapidated shed. The client’s main goals were to create a space to store his motorcycles, enjoy the late afternoon sun, and maintain a low-maintenance garden.

The Design Challenge
The garden presented a few challenges:

• Shared Access: A unique challenge presented itself in the form of a shared pathway running through the property. This pathway, essential for neighbourly access, also served as the sole access point to the rear garden. This limitation significantly impacted the construction and delivery processes.
• Motorcycle Storage: The client needed a larger shed to accommodate two motorcycles.
• Uneven Terrain: The patio and raised paved area were uneven, and the lawn sloped.
• Dilapidated Structures: The existing shed was in poor condition.
• A low maintenance Planting Scheme: The client wanted a beautiful garden that required minimal upkeep.

The Design Solution

2D and 3D Garden Design Visualisation

To address these challenges, the garden was designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The key elements of the design included:

• A Sun-Soaked Patio: The existing patio was levelled and extended to create a spacious outdoor living area, perfect for relaxing and entertaining.
• A Serene Seating Area: A levelled raised seating area was designed at the rear of the garden to capture the late afternoon sun.
• A New Motorcycle Shed: A larger, more functional shed was built at the rear of the garden to accommodate two motorcycles.
• Planting a Low-Maintenance Garden: A variety of hardy plants that required minimal care were selected, such as drought-tolerant shrubs and colourful perennials.
• Integrating the Shared Pathway: A shared pathway was carefully incorporated into the design, ensuring it remained accessible while enhancing the overall look of the garden.

The Final Result

Photo of the Garden After Landscaping and Planting

The transformation was truly remarkable. The once-boring garden is now a stunning outdoor space that the client and their guests can enjoy. The new shed provides ample storage for the motorcycles, the patio is perfect for entertaining, and the serene seating area offers a peaceful retreat.

The client has been incredibly pleased with the results, and visitors often comment on how lovely the garden looks. The once-boring space is now a vibrant and inviting outdoor oasis. It’s truly rewarding to see how a well-designed garden can enhance a home and improve the quality of life for its occupants.

Photo of the Planting After Landscaping