Louise and Ken approached Sam in 2019 with a view to reconceptualising the back yard – then consisting of a large central lawn expanse flanked by garden beds.
The client brief entailed pizza oven, sculpture, alfresco and the retention of an established Portugal Laurel hedge. It was especially important that a flowering perennial garden be provided, such that the clients – keen gardeners – could immerse themselves in it. The remaining vision for the garden was conferred to Sam, who desired partitioning the site into distinct zones:
- Lawn, for visual balance
- Reflective/contemplation space
- Alfresco.
He also felt it important to invite the viewer into the garden with effective use of plant material and blocking, the creation of depth through tiers and an exciting panoply of herbaceous perennials within the contemplation zone, for a stirring experience.
Work commenced in 2020. A florist studio was constructed shortly after and the garden still continues to evolve today as a living, evolving entity.