This garden transformation is a great example of how curves can completely change the character of an outdoor space.
Circles and curves creating interest wherever you look
This garden had originally been landscaped around 15 years ago, and the clients were still very happy with the layout and the way they used the space. Rather than completely changing the garden, they wanted to retain the elements they loved while giving the whole space a more contemporary look, improving the planting and creating more generous areas for entertaining and relaxing.
We stripped the existing garden back and developed a design that modernised the space while making the most of the existing features and materials wherever possible.
Creating Structure with Bespoke Decking
One of the biggest changes was at the far end of the garden, where we introduced a raised circular decking area. Elevating this section gave the garden greater depth and structure, while creating a dedicated main seating area.
The decking was a high-end **Millboard-style composite product**, chosen for its appearance, durability and low-maintenance qualities. The curved design was particularly challenging to construct, requiring careful planning and specialist workmanship to achieve the smooth circular shape.
An umbrella was integrated directly into the decking, with the structure wrapping around it to create a more enclosed and comfortable seating area. We also incorporated a strip light into the front of the deck, adding subtle illumination and making the space particularly effective in the evening.
A Softer, More Contemporary Layout
The existing straight porcelain paving was replaced with a more fluid curved design. The new curves soften the garden and help define the different areas while giving the overall space a much more contemporary feel.
Closer to the house, the shape of the garden was retained but refined, creating more usable space around the lawn and seating areas. To the left-hand side, the existing space had been too narrow for the chairs the clients wanted, so we opened this area up and introduced a circular lawn feature.
Importantly, the clients had invested heavily in their existing artificial lawn and wanted to retain it. Rather than replacing it unnecessarily, we carefully lifted, cleaned and relaid it as part of the transformation, integrating it into the new design.
Planting, Irrigation and Finishing Touches
The existing irrigation system was also carefully lifted and reconfigured to suit the new layout, while a completely new planting scheme introduced fresh colour, texture and interest throughout the garden.
New fencing was installed to complement the existing boundary, and the fencing and other existing elements were painted to bring everything together. The result was a garden that felt completely refreshed without losing the character and layout that the clients had enjoyed for many years.
The project demonstrates how an established garden doesn't always need to be completely redesigned. By retaining the elements that work, introducing contemporary materials, improving the planting and carefully reshaping the space, we were able to give this much-loved garden a completely new lease of life.
The Finished Garden
From the bespoke curved composite decking and integrated lighting to the new porcelain paving, planting and irrigation, every element was considered to create a stylish, practical and long-lasting garden for the years ahead.
