A family entertainment garden in Hertfordshire

"A complementary deck and terrace in this family garden in Hertfordshire provide plenty of space for play and outdoor dining."

The garden design brief

This family garden was designed to give the children a large place to play all year round and for the grown ups to have their own outdoor entertaining area.

The approach

For the children the large terrace now provides a great place to stretch their legs on their bicycles and toys especially in winter when the lawn is too wet. A deck at one end becomes the adults' place for dining and entertaining.

The garden construction materials

The Indian sandstone terrace complements the western red cedar deck beautifully. The deck is trimmed with coloured LED lights that define the entertaining area. Eyelid lights in the raised brick wall create a pleasing reflection in the highly polished deck. Cedar is not normally highly polished but this deck meets the owner’s desire for a smart corner to relax and entertain in. The spotlights from the garage ensure the area is well lit for eating at night and the deck could easily transform into a dance floor if wanted. An arrangement of planting, Scottish cobbles and slate creates a pleasing divide between deck and terrace.

The result

A functional play garden by day and a well lit atmospheric entertainment garden by night that the owners are very pleased with.

A family garden in Hertfordshire