Client: Private | Completed 2024

An extensive garden for a period farmhouse located in bucolic Petersham close to Turner’s famous view of the River Thames, and Richmond Park. The existing garden was laid mostly to lawn. The proposal formed a masterplan for the garden now that the family has evolved.

Tall Yew hedging follows the new curve of the driveway adding privacy and allowing for a semi shaded seating area within the garden close to an allée of Prunus yedoensis. The existing terrace was well located near the house but rather awkward in shape with changes in level and little relation to the house and the sightlines from the main entertaining rooms. This was rationalised to allow for a generous dining terrace surrounded by naturalistic planting with wide solid stone steps leading to a gravel garden and oversized antique stone trough. Further steps lead to a woodland garden surrounded by Birch trees, wildflower meadow and woodland underplanting with a relaxed fire pit area, a perfect place for the family to gather with their friends.

A former utilitarian passage way visible from the kitchen has become a rather special ‘fernery’ with another antique stone trough, tree ferns and lush underplanting enjoying the shady but sheltered location. Considered use of hedging creates views into and out of the garden. Oversize Taxus domes are scattered around the still generous lawn.

Site photos soon after completion