Earth Designs Garden Design and Build were asked to created a landscape and propose garden design in London*. Here are the details of the project

The Ying And Yang Garden in London

The Back
The design draws on the angular and curved characteristics of the new build to create a space based on an art deco theme. Teaming angular raised beds with circular lawns we see this juxtaposition of simple shapes resonate throughout the space. As one exits the house from the main room to the left of the space, the door is flanked on either side by cubed railway sleeper planters. A four metre diameter circle of stylish Iroko hardwood decking serves as the main dining terrace. Ahead of this are two further rectangular railway sleeper beds at varying heights. Built into the higher and most distant is a stainless steel 'water blade'. This water feature, although simple, gives the garden the relaxing sound of falling water, as the water tumbles into a pebble covered reservior at ground level. Child friendly, low maintenance and fun, this adds an exciting dimension to the space.Behind this raised bed, before the bottom perimeter of the space, is a children's play area carpeted throughout with a thick layer of soft play bark for safety, and screened from the house by tall planting. The centre of the space is filled with a large circular brick edged lawn, which meets a smaller formal lay patio in Mint Fossil sandstone adjoining the breakfast room. This area, designed for a café style table and chairs, affords the user the opportunity to steal a borrowed view of the expanse of grass through the bespoke art deco inspired double metal gates at the end of the space. An added layer of security is provided by solid wooden gates on the inside of the metal gates, allowing the client privacy or a feeling of openness as their mood dictates.

The third area of the garden, separated from the rest of the space by another two railway sleeper planters constructed perpendicular to the house, features a circular trampoline set within a circular lawn. This lawn leads back to the house and is greeted by a further square sandstone patio in formal lay pattern. This multi-purpose area will be suitable for relaxation and dining, with the added advantage of providing a suitable surface for impromptu basketball sessions with the existing net. A further cube railway sleeper planter to the right of this area supports a fixed bench attached to the side facing the trampoline.

Decking steps lead upward to a final decked area to the side of the house, which also features a low storage area suitable for bicycles or children's toys.

The bottom right hand corner houses a 8' x 6' shed. The boundary of the entire space is a 1m high brick wall topped with Iroko clad fence. Each lawn is edged with brick which in places is wide enough to act as pathways between the various areas.

The planting scheme comprises principally plum leafed foliage with orange and yellow flowering perennials against a backdrop of evergreen shrubs. Where the two lawns meet, 2 x Cordyline australis will be positioned to tower above the space like palm trees.

Lighting comprises micro LED ground lights around all three circles, with LV spots throughout the raised and flush beds and up/down lights attached to the side of house - 1 pair of up/down lighters beside the main terrace planters, with a second pair on the smaller terrace and a final pair on the upper decked area. Finally, each step riser will feature larger LED lights to safely light one's passage through the space, while fairy lights spiral around the cordyline trunks to provide a little architectural sparkle when the sun goes down.The Front
By using curves and circles nestled between extensive planting, this design makes best use of the limited space in this garden. A snaking path, laid with Indian sandstone in a formal lay pattern and edged with brick in a 'soldier' course, bisects the beds and guides the visitor to the front door. To the right of the path a small paved circle features an Acer palmatum 'disectum' planted in the centre. A second small paved circle on the left affords the client the opportunity to display a statue or giant pot. A larger paved circle towards the middle of the left hand bed accommodates an arced fixed bench seat, constructed from rendered blocks capped with sandstone.The planting palette consists of hardy specimens with an emphasis on foliage. Architectural planting features heavily in the space, juxtaposing imposing Fatsia japonica with delicate Acers. A combination of evergreen and semi evergreen plants will intertwine with scented white blooms to give year round interest to the space. Two low planters constructed from sturdy railway sleepers and planted with Phormium 'phats black' flank the porch, helping to frame the entrance to the house.

Lighting in the garden comprises bright, high-beam uplighters to give a vertical wash across the front of the house, while horizontal mirror path lights to

Empty! I have picked out Thomasville Hills of Tuscany furniture - the big heavy china cabinet and the rectangular dining table. I also am thinking about adding white wainscoting in rectangular boxes around the whole room. Something pretty traditional. Ceiling height is 14' so perhaps do the wainscoting pretty high? I am also toying with the idea of painting the ceiling the pale dusty teal color that's in the rug and is an accent color in the ajacent living room.