Completed Project in Crouch End

We recently worked on a garden in Crouch End which has become one of our favourite projects. The client shared many of our views on sustainability and her brief matched perfectly with our ethics. The work we did was a real transformation and one where we were able to use many of our favourite tasks - use reclaimed materials, build a pond, plant multiple trees and create a space inviting to both guests and wildlife.

The garden started off as a blank canvas although trellis had been installed on both sides of the fence which provided a framework for climbers. Otherwise there was a small area of concrete paving stones by the house, a pile of rockery stones, a stack of bricks leftover from a building project and a small area of sandstone paving towards the end. Our client was keen to reuse as many of the materials as possible since they were already in the garden, this saved on costs as well as reducing unnecessary waste so this was factored into the design.

We start off with some initial sketches and a design proposal. On this occasion we got it right first time and there were very few changes made from our first drawing. The design started off deciding on positions for the two patios - one close to the house and one down the sunny end of the garden. Our client didn’t want a lawn, instead focusing on planting so we connected the two patios with a winding path. The very end of the garden features a pond with pump for the sound of moving water near the far seating area plus a more functional area at the very end with a raised bed for growing vegetables and a small greenhouse. We reused the concrete paving at the end of the garden to build steps and stepping stones while keeping the more attractive sandstone paving in the more used areas.

From design to construction - mapping out for the path and work begins on the two patios.

Planting day! We brought in five trees to add height and structure to the garden while providing a habitat for wildlife.

The final product got the thumbs up from our client’s dog.

The main seating area is built using the sandstone and bricks found on site mixed with reclaimed materials to match provided by London Reclaimed Brick Merchants who did a great job matching the bricks and patio. We used the rockery stones here to naturally terrace the slope of the garden and combined with planting pockets it creates a softened step up to the path. The effect is a terrace full of the charm that comes with older materials and one that looks like it truly belongs.

The garden several months later when the plants have begun to spread and bloom.

The pond was also built with reclaimed bricks and rendered and painted on the inside to make it waterproof while still wildlife-friendly. Planting both around and inside the pond has spread nicely and it creates a lovely feature. Frogs moved in almost immediately!

It was a wonderful project to work on and we were thrilled with the results. The winding path draws your eye through a mix of perennial planting and grasses to provide a sense of movement and texture. The use of screens and obelisks plus trees, shrubs and climbers will provide year round structure and interest. There are multiple options for seating depending on the time of day, all surrounded by planting with a mix of colours and fragrance. The garden has gone from a patch of grass to one rich in biodiversity that should provide a home to wildlife year round.