What Petro did:
1 The space was utilised to the fullest by keeping the design as simple as possible with clean lines and repetitive plantings. “A basic principle when working with small spaces is to keep plantings and garden furniture uncomplicated,” she explains. “I always work with repetitive plant combinations and also keep colour contrasts subtle to create a tranquil space.”
2 The existing water pear trees growing on either side against the boundary walls provide privacy. Their lower branches were pruned up to a certain height and their crowns trimmed to create the feel of a pleached hedge. Wooden screens enhance the privacy where needed. Viburnum sinensis shrubs were planted on the upper level on either side of the cottage to conceal the boundary walls.
3 With all the shade, a lawn was out of the question – grass would never grow properly with so little sun. Petro had artificial grass from Easigrass (30mm Kensington) laid on either side of the pool and on the slightly higher level on either side of the cottage. In addition to the artificial grass next to the cottage, large Kent pavers
(1 200 x 600mm) were laid to bring in another textural element and to enhance the contemporary design.
4 The different levels in front of the cottage were overcome by installing a wooden deck to complement the pergola. This also created the opportunity to use multiple levels as a design element.
Petro had a step built across the width of the garden on either side of the pool and finished it with Devon Wall capping
(700 x 280 x 100mm), creating a stylish, contemporary look. The pergola and deck are both made of garapa.
5 Due to the limited space, the beds are quite narrow. Petro installed galvanised cables in a criss-cross pattern on the walls; star jasmine, which adds soft, green height without losing depth, is being trained to grow along these cables. This bed is planted up with Liriope with its ribbonshaped foliage, and common box as a hedge. The beds were framed with narrow charcoal-coloured Viking cobbles
(225 x 60 x 50mm) that were laid end to end – these also enhance the contemporary aesthetic of the space.
6 A pergola was erected in front of the cottage, with star jasmine that will eventually soften the façade – with the added bonus of the heady fragrance of its small star-shaped blooms in spring. Hanging baskets with indigenous Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ ferns and petunias adorn the pergola for added greenery and colour. At the far end of the short alleyway, wooden screens with rotating panels hide the water tanks and pool pump in the back garden.
7 To create extra growing space, a 400mm-high planter was built and planted up with herbs and lemon trees. Viburnum tinus ‘Compactum’ is planted against the wall, with ‘Iceberg’ roses, Scaevola aemula and Swan River daisy – all white – for subtle contrast. The same tiles used for the steps were repeated on top of the low walls of the planter.