Langtoft: Daytime gardening, evening relaxing

Raised planting beds surround the patio creating a sense of enclosure and offering space for ericaceous planting. As you look out of the house, the planting beds separate the paving from the lawn, creating interest. The curving lawn draws your eye through the space and over surrounding planting beds which create a layered effect and veil the complete view of the garden. This creates intrigue and makes you question “what’s around the corner”? Gravel seating area with fire bowl looks back to the house. Surrounded by lush perennial planting for an immersive feeling, the curving gravel path connects the house to the rear seating area so the lawn doesn’t need to be crossed during the wet winter months. The secluded seating area is connected from both sides by the curving gravel path and offers a naturally shady spot in the summer sun to take a break from gardening, dine or just sit and enjoy the view back to the house. Low, deciduous hedging has been positioned to give a sense of privacy and enclosure while not blocking the view totally. These will also offer autumnal colour and structural interest in the winter months. A subtle water feature has been nestled within the planting adjacent to the seating area. This is also visible from the main patio and gives the noise of water without it being overly loud. The feature is also illuminated at night. Staggered pathways into the garden blend the formal shape of the patio with the organic shapes of the wider space. The greenhouse and storage area has been screened with hedging and planting. Generous planting beds throughout the garden give a real feeling of nature and offer habitats for wildlife such as butterflies and bees which in turn attract birds.