”Absolutely delighted with the garden.”

Highgate Walled Garden

July 2025

”The finished garden looks exactly like the 3D renders.”

Date: July, 2025

Location: Highgate Victorian Villa walled side garden

Client Brief: Following a clearance and restoration of the side garden the client commissioned a planting design to create an immersive and private space for entertainment and relaxation. A space that could be enjoyed from the house and from within. Low maintenance, resilient and with a degree of formal structure.

Site: 120sqm multi level side walled garden accessed by steps from the lower garden. Overlooked from neighbouring properties. Surrounded by mature trees providing a backdrop.

Design Concept: The design focused on creating a ‘Cool and Calm’ space for the clients to relax, unwind and enjoy with family and friends. The planting creates a ‘Green Hug’ across the space delivering one coherent look and feel. Mature mukltistem Birch trees create a canopy over the garden providing privacy and seclusion whilst ensuring the space still feels open and inviting from within. Dappled shade prevails and the planting is designed to flourish in that environment. The planting is textural with different forms and shapes throughout and with a muted colour palette. Yew balls and hedging deliver formality and persistence in the space and help to unify across the garden. Pleached Portuguese Laurel creates an evergreen screen from neighbouring properties and is combined with mature Jasmine climbers.

”Can’t wait to sit and enjoy the garden.”

Discuss Your Project

A private & immersive space

The main entertaining area is surrounded by mature multisitem Birch and Acer’s. Pleached Portuguese Laurel deliver screening. Yew hedging unifies across the back walls and links with the Yew balls in the main garden.
Evergreen planting

It was important that the garden had all year round interest. Winter structure is created through the evergreen Prunus, Yew, Ferns and Viburnum shrubs. The garden is designed to deliver interest across the seasons.
Deep Perennial Borders

The sunnier borders are filled with perennials which will provide colour throughout the year. The perennials are a muted colour palette of pinks, blues and white with pops of yellow and will thrive in the dappled shade.

Before

The side garden was overgrown, neglected and run down. A old garage stood in the middle with the rest of the garden filled with bind weed and old shrubs. The garden was cleared, garage demolished and new access steps added from the existing lower garden by the clients.
The New Garden

Experienced local builders cleared the site and built sandstone terraces and pathways. New planting borders were created ready for the planting design. The south facing garden had a variety of light levels from full sun to deep shade delivered by the neighbouring properties and mature trees.
The Planting

Over 2500 plants were required for the scheme supplied from reputable local nurseries. An essential part of the process is laying out the plants in accordance with the planting plant and making on site changes based on designer experience. Mature multistem trees add height, volume and frame vistas through the garden.

The Inspiration

A ‘Cool and Calm’ space for the clients to relax and enjoy with family and friends. An inner City sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle and local life. Mature multistem trees create a cooling canopy for the garden whilst remaining open and airy underneath. Privacy is assured.
A 'Green Hug'

Mature multistem Birch’s, Yew hedging, Jasmine climbers and pleached Portuguese Laurel create a green wall around the garden. The Birch trees create a canopy over the garden delivering dappled shade and privacy. The underplanting is green, textural and dotted with perennials which will deliver colour across the seasons. The space feels enclosed and cosy.
Texture and Form

Even within a small urban garden it is possible to create a garden of year round interest. Contrasting leaf textures, shades of green and forms create an interlocking mosaic of interest. Yew balls create places for the eye to rest. Grasses add movement and sound. Acers thrive in the dappled shade and give a slight Japanese feel to the space.