Garden transformation – Clapham

Objective

Garden transformation including new pavilion, hard landscaping, water features and planting design.

Initial conditions

This Clapham garden already contained several attractive elements, but the overall layout lacked cohesion. Earlier changes had introduced good individual features that did not fully relate to one another, leaving the space feeling visually busy rather than intentional. Planting was lively but loosely organised, and seating areas existed without a clear focal point or sense of purpose. The garden had strong potential, yet it did not feel unified.

Client brief

The clients wanted a vibrant yet secluded entertaining garden that felt curated and comfortable rather than crowded. They were keen to retain the energy of the existing planting while introducing clearer structure, better defined seating and contemporary water features. As the project involved collaboration with an external garden designer, precision in construction and detailing was particularly important.

Key features

Collaboration and design integration: The project was a team effort involving garden design by Henrietta Murray-Wicket. This collaboration ensured that design and construction elements of pavilion and a rear extension were seamlessly integrated, leveraging the strengths of each party to deliver a cohesive and high-quality result.
Vibrant yet secluded garden: The design introduced lively planting schemes with bright colours and energy while ensuring the garden remained a private retreat. Strategic placement of features and screening maintained the garden’s seclusion from external views, creating a dynamic yet intimate outdoor space.
Innovative design features: The updated garden features custom-built seating areas, modern water features, and a thoughtfully designed planting scheme. Each element was chosen to complement the overall design and enhance the garden’s vibrant and secluded atmosphere.
Construction and installation: Brother Builders managed the construction aspects, ensuring high standards for all structural elements. Flourish Landscaping handled the garden-specific installations, including planting and finishing touches, bringing the design to life with a well-executed transformation.

Design approach

The emphasis was on integration rather than wholesale change. Hard landscaping lines were refined so paving edges, seating and planting beds worked together visually, creating a more coherent flow through the space. Planting was layered deliberately, combining bold perennials and ornamental grasses for colour and movement with evergreen structure to provide balance throughout the year. The intention was a garden that felt animated and immersive without tipping into clutter.

Construction details

Bespoke seating was constructed to exact dimensions so it became part of the architecture of the garden rather than an afterthought. Water features were installed with concealed pump systems and discreet access points to ensure easy maintenance without disrupting the design. Planting beds were reshaped and soil improved to encourage long-term health and reduce the need for frequent intervention.

Results

The completed garden now feels purposeful, immersive and well balanced. Colour and texture remain central to the experience, but they are framed by stronger structure and clearer circulation. Seating areas feel anchored and inviting, while the integrated water features add movement and atmosphere. The transformation demonstrates how careful alignment of materials, planting and built elements can elevate an already promising garden into a cohesive and highly usable outdoor space.