Well inclined
This couple didn’t let a sloped garden beat them
Patio dining area
The sunken patio feels enclosed and sheltered, thanks to the retaining walls surrounding the next level of the garden. Judith used the same flagstone flooring inside and outside the house’s bifold doors to connect the two spaces. ‘We eat outside whenever we can, so the garden’s like an extension of our home,’ says Judith.
After spending six years renovating their cottage, Judith and Michael Rust turned their attention to the back garden – a rectangular plot that sloped upwards behind the house.
As part of the renovation work, the couple had added a rear kitchen extension with bifold doors and a spacious patio area beyond them. Apart from that, Judith was unsure what to do with the rest of the space. ‘It was mainly lawn and there was a very large apple tree taking up lots of room and casting shade over everything,’ says Judith. ‘It needed a complete rethink. It had to be low-maintenance with some structure and privacy, and I knew I wanted white flowers only, because I love the simplicity.’
She turned to Mike Reeves of Greenman Services, who suggested a split-level design with steps from the patio up to a flat, small area of lawn.
Although the garden is only a couple of years old, borders packed with plants make it look lush and established. Perennials and bulbs keep the interest and colour coming from spring to autumn. Ferns, evergreens and annuals like sweetpeas and snapdragons fill the gaps. She’s sticking to the all-white theme, but doesn’t worry when lilac, blue or pink blooms appear. ‘I’m fine with the odd bit of colour, but there was a wrongly labelled yellow rose I couldn’t ignore, so I moved that to the front garden!’
Lawned area
The middle part of the garden is laid to lawn, with steamer chairs for lounging in the sun. Climber-clad trellis fencing screens the garage and the clematis-wound archway gives a glimpse of another small seating area, which catches the evening sun, at the back. This trick makes the plot seem larger than it actually is.
Rendered wall
This was built as part of the garden redesign and provides privacy as well as a modern, Mediterranean feel. In time, it will be mostly covered by clematis and jasmine. It’s painted in Farrow & Ball’s Bone. ‘It’s a good match for the patio paving and doesn’t compete with the greenery,’ says Judith.
Curved pathway
Stepping-stone slabs and gravel create an informal and low-maintenance path. Judith’s lush planting spills over to soften its lines. ‘Full beds stop weeds taking hold,’ she says. ‘Our local garden centre sells neglected plants cheaply, so I get them to flourish again and use them to fill gaps.’
Vertical garden
Judith turned an old ladder, bought for a few pounds at a market, into an eye-catching plant stand. ‘I like the rustic wood and having plants at different heights – it’s a bit of fun,’ she says.