A sunken terrace in Hertfordshire

"With some careful garden design and material choice we transformed this previously unused space into an award-winning sunken patio in Hertfordshire."

The garden design brief

This garden owner wanted to make best use of the area just outside the kitchen back door and they now have the perfect spot to pop out and enjoy breakfast on their sheltered sunken terrace.

They had also bought an interesting water feature which we placed in a nicely curved dome-backed brick arch to create a focal point for the terrace.

Constructing the sunken terrace

It is always important to address the issue of drainage early on, particularly when building a sunken patio (unless it’s a swimming pool you’re after!) so a good soakaway was dug to avoid future problems.

The grey edging bricks set off the silver lavender leaves beautifully and contrast well with the traditional riven paving laid in a random pattern.

Surrounding this sunken retreat is a circular brick path leading under arches covered with scented and beautiful climbing plants. Ropework linking the arches allows the climbers to scramble along freely. The star climber featured here is a wonderful, mature potato tree ("Solanum crispum Glasnevin") that flowers from summer through to autumn.

The result

A perfect traditional sunken patio to relax in and enjoy.

A sunken patio in Hertfordshire