GARDEN DESIGNER

Jenny Bloom Garden Design

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR

Wilson Lloyd Landscaping

CLAY PAVERS

SeptimA Taupe

PROCESSING

herringbone and stretcher bond; stack bond for the steps 

Photos: © Jenny Bloom

Jenny Bloom: “This urban courtyard garden in London was designed for clients to enjoy alfresco living - as the dated garden they had inherited had no real place to sit comfortably. Midway through the build, the country went into its first lockdown and the garden became an even more important space for the family.

Vande Moortel Clay pavers SeptimA Taupe were used in different patterns in the courtyard spaces which could be used flexibly for eating out or lounging. One of the spaces was enlarged from the original design to accommodate the family’s full size table tennis table, a vital diversion during lockdown. New steps and terraced planting also improved the view from the basement flat.

The mature trees on site were retained, with existing dated brick planters replaced by contemporary corten steel. Corten was also used to trim the green roof on the new bespoke cedar clad storage shed, with cedar slatted trellis along the garden walls to improve privacy. The mixed planting scheme adds texture and colour and helps soften the space.

The clay pavers added a contemporary feel, working well with the corten steel planters and were the perfect choice to complement the clients' house with its dark grey paintwork. The garden was used extensively during lockdown and as things opened up became more of a sociable space for family and friends.”

Ecological touch
Existing trees were retained on site. The new planting scheme with changing seasonal interest has added more diversity to the garden, with more food and habitats for pollinators and wildlife. The large storage shed has a green roof and all rainfall goes back into the ground.