Small family garden redesign – Berrylands
Initial conditions
This Berrylands garden had evolved unevenly over time rather than becoming neglected. Planting beds had gradually expanded into the lawn, reducing usable open space and limiting light through the centre of the plot. The patio area was undersized and rarely used, while the lawn had lost definition and consistency. Although many of the existing plants were healthy, their scale and positioning no longer suited the proportions of the garden.
Client brief
The homeowners wanted a redesign that would make the garden feel more open, practical and enjoyable without stripping away its established character. A larger, functional patio and a dependable lawn were key priorities, alongside planting that would provide privacy and structure without constant cutting back. The aim was improvement rather than reinvention, respecting the style of the 1930s property while making the space easier to live with day to day.
Description of work
The design focused on restoring balance and clarity. Existing shrubs were selectively thinned, shaped or repositioned rather than removed entirely, allowing more light into the garden while retaining maturity and depth. A new Indian sandstone patio was introduced close to the house to create a natural gathering space and everyday seating area.
The lawn was reshaped to achieve cleaner edges and better flow between zones, while boundary planting combined evergreen structure with lighter ornamental grasses and dependable groundcover to soften fences and introduce year-round interest. The intention was to create privacy and movement without visual heaviness or high maintenance demands.
Construction details
Selective clearance and re-levelling established cleaner lines across the garden. The new patio was constructed on a reinforced sub-base with calibrated sandstone laid for durability and long-term stability. Lawn areas were improved with enriched soil before re-turfing to support stronger establishment. Planting beds were conditioned with organic matter to enhance soil structure, and boundary fencing was upgraded only where necessary to maintain continuity rather than introduce abrupt new elements.
Results
The completed garden now feels lighter, more spacious and far more usable while retaining its established charm. The enlarged patio provides a comfortable area for sitting out and entertaining, the lawn performs reliably, and planting offers privacy without dominating the space. What was once a slightly unbalanced layout has become a cohesive, calm and practical outdoor environment that complements the character of the home and supports everyday living.