'Gaudi's Garden' by www.earthdesigns.co.uk. An artisitc mosaic garden in Walthamstow, London

BRIEF:This small garden was a completely blank canvas – an unappealing patch of concrete with a small, overgrown area of lawn in one corner. Surrounded by other gardens on all sides, the space benefited from high, rendered block walls, giving it a strong sense of privacy and providing a secluded environment that allowed for a variety of planting possibilities.SOLUTION:Taking inspiration from Anton Gaudi’s Parc Guell in Barcelona, this garden features curved and undulating raised beds that flow organically around the space. Intricately adorned with colourful hand-laid mosaic patterns, these beds slope gently upwards from their lowest point in the left hand corner. The centre of the space features a kidney shaped area of artificial turf (chosen to withstand the attentions of the household dog) edged with a variety of earth toned tiles and surrounded by a hard flooring comprising a mixture of decorative pea shingle and plum coloured paddlestones in black dyed concrete.The entertaining possibilities of the garden are enhanced by the integration of a free standing hot tub in the top left of the space, and curved fixed-bench seating in the top right corner. The seating area benefits from a bespoke kidney shaped wooden table with built in patio heater, allowing ample space for summertime alfresco dining.The high block walls are adorned with mosaic panels in a chequerboard pattern, each panel individually designed and hand laid. Added privacy to the space is provided by rusted steel trellis set into the top of the walls, through which a variety of vines and creepers are trained. The boundaries are given extra embellishment with the inclusion of an assortment of wall-mounted sculpture, lanterns, planters and other ephemera.Planting is eclectic with a multitude of big architectural plants and tall grasses, softened by blousy, floral plants such as roses and peony. The colour scheme is claret and blue. A sense of height and drama is provided by large Robinia pseudoacasia, Cordyline Australis and a 12 ft Trachycarpus fortuneii.Storage is afforded by a utility area in the bottom left corner, walled off from the rest of the space and housing a shed, mini greenhouse, tool store and composting wormery for the household’s green waste.The lighting scheme is designed with entertaining in mind. LED walkover pin lights set into the concrete floor lead one on a curved journey through the space. The beds are illuminated with a host of low voltage spots, while the dining area is lit with two stainless steel up-lighters set into the tabletop. The garden is given an added party atmosphere by pea lights wound through the Robinia and Trachycarpus.

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'Gaudi's Garden' by www.earthdesigns.co.uk. An artisitc mosaic garden in Walthamstow, London

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