Restful Retreat

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This sloping urban garden provides a restful space to relax outdoors in a low-maintenance setting, using a range of natural materials with planting in soft colours. Timber raised beds are used to form retaining structures and improve upon the existing heavy clay soil (and rubble!).  The view from the conservatory is brightened by planted raised beds, and the natural stone patio leads to a paved seating area.

Broad, generous paved steps lead down to the next level of the garden, where a brick-edged circular lawn is surrounded by informal planting.  To the right of the steps, a small gravel garden leads to a raised bed for growing tomatoes.  Further steps lead to the lowest level, where an elegant arbour provides a secluded and shady place to read and relax, breaking up the view of the houses to the rear.   An L-shaped raised bed in the corner provides more space for planting, and a screen of bamboo also helps to disguise the rear fence.

A new, welcoming but low-maintenance front garden was also created.