Contemporary outdoor living in Hertfordshire

"This contemporary garden design provides a relaxing place to enjoy the images in the new reflection pool and the Hertfordshire landscape beyond"

The garden design brief

This family were looking for a 'relaxation' garden with a difference. The brief was to design a garden with features that added interest and were inspired by new trends in garden design.

The approach

With the growing trend to spend more time relaxing and entertaining outdoors the first element to put in the design was a terrace area big enough to entertain large numbers. As the patio was a real suntrap a pergola was added which will soon be covered in Mediterranean style climbers to provide welcome dappled shade in the heat of the day.

The owners wanted to enjoy the tranquil sound of running water so we designed and built a contemporary water feature as part of the terrace, linked to a stunning reflection pool. Clean straight lines give the design a modern feel. By day the pool provides an ever-changing reflection of the sky and plants that could be enjoyed from the terrace. By night the garden lighting transforms the terrace into an entertaining area with a magical atmosphere.

Following the trend to divide a large garden into separate garden rooms, various garden zones were designed to lead the eye from one to the other. A modern trellis divides the main garden from the ‘grow your own’ veggie patch with raised sleeper beds. A summerhouse is nestled in the corner on the boundary to the fields beyond and a swinging bench is hidden in a secluded place for real relaxation.

The garden construction materials and planting

Sandstone was chosen to complement the house brick colour, and bricks were used within the terrace to break up the large expanse of stone and make it more interesting. Existing planting on the boundaries was enhanced and strengthened to create a windbreak and the pergola was planted with grape vines and other Mediterranean style climbers to provide dappled shade and a calming atmosphere.

The result

A stunning, modern garden to relax in and enjoy day and night.

Contemporary garden design