BALI Awards Winner 2021 – Domestic Garden Construction Under £30K
Project Description:
The client had two main requirements for their garden – a large area for outdoor dining and family gatherings and a peaceful, serene space in which to relax and appreciate wildlife. In order to accommodate both requests and with within a relatively small budget for the size of the garden, the contractor had to be mindful and creative in their choice of materials and layout. The large patio area is paved using light grey porcelain, broken up visually by adding Belgian clay pavers laid in a herringbone pattern. A decorative weathered steel panel hangs in the centre of the rear wall of the house, elegantly contrasted against a white background. Large planting beds on all sides of the dining area soften the space, and the use of fragrant plants like lavender, rosemary and salvia creates a pleasant dining experience. The planting scheme for the lower garden includes species to attract wildlife, including Malus trees with red fruits that are loved by birds. Plank paving laid in an irregular format with gaps filled with chamomile and Irish moss creates a naturalistic effect. A large pergola adds height and mass to the garden, and Siberian larch battens form an attractive rear boundary.
Judges’ Comments:
What was a small, featureless space has been transformed into a charming entertaining and wildlife-friendly garden, meeting the client brief perfectly. The contractor has demonstrated good workmanship across the range of construction disciplines, with excellent paving, cutting in and timber work. The plant selection creates ambience and has established well.