Garden insights: A suburban oasis

Recycled red bricks were chosen – which pick up on the terracotta hues of the house’s roof – to pave the front steps and create raised beds. Trimmed hedges of coastal rosemary and Euonymous ‘Tom Thumb’ add formality around the perimeter, while colourful hybrid tea roses and white icebergs ooze old-fashioned charm.

A once neglected garden was turned into a verdant oasis. Productive garden beds are now filled with vegetables and herbs, along with a variety of fruit trees integrated along the fence lines.

Raised beds are filled with a smorgasbord of seasonal produce such as lettuce, celery, spring onions, chives, cabbage, climbing beans and an array of herbs. Both decorative and functional, the recycled brick edging helps retain moisture within the soil and lock in heat during the cooler months. 

Looking to maximise functionality, a previously unused area alongside the house was converted into a private courtyard. An inviting spot for entertaining,with an outdoor setting from Domayne, it also delivers a pretty outlook from the conservatory that opens onto the space.

Along the front fence, a layered planting of aspidistra, African daisies and silverbush creates depth. Ornamental pear trees provide a green screen in warmer months and bare architectural branches in winter.

This glowing pink rose, Princess Alexandra of Kent by David Austin, flowers for up to eight months of the year.