A contemporary barn style new build in Suffolk was purchased by the clients with a tiny concrete flagstone terrace and a sloping lawn. The garden bordered a paddock with views of mature trees. The clients were keen gardeners and wanted a garden of interesting and informal planting with no lawn. Even though small, two terraces were requested for entertaining and dining.

The new design utilised the slight gradient of the site to create multi levels linked with stepping stone ’steps’. Terraces of large module porcelain tiles were contrasted with landings and paths of gey Belgium brick paving.

Being on a new a development, the garden had some overlooks, so evergreen pleached trees where used to create an enclosed private space.  The feeling was enhanced with four roof pruned Mulberries around the dining terrace. In time these will cover this terrace giving shaded dining in the south facing garden.

Planting was informal with pastels and silver foliage and drought tolerant grasses adding to the billowing feel. The entire garden was mulched in granite chippings. No weed membrane was used as the client wanted to encourage self seeding of the perennials and allow the planting to be ‘fluid’.