A naturalistic shady front garden to a period town house, Ilkley.

The clients had lived in their mid-terrace period home on the edge of Ilkley Moor for over 20 years and wanted to update their garden. Their priorities were the main garden path and approach to the house, which was steep with narrow steps and create an evening sitting area above the existing patio. The lawn was struggling to grow in the shade below a very large copper beech tree (protected) and the timber and stone retaining walls were deteriorating.

The new design included a curved brick path leading through the middle of the garden on a gentle gradient, with broad gentle steps. The new evening patio was linked to the existing patio by broad stone steps.

The clients were starting to really enjoy learning about plants and gardening and wanted to increase planting areas. The new deep beds either side of the brick path and around the new evening patio gave more space for planting. The planting design incorporated the clients existing plants, new woodland perennials below the large beech tree and perennials and shrubs for full sun around the patio near the house.

After

Plan view – straight after planting, June 2016. Even in this small plot, we created separate spaces for dining and seating, as well generous areas for planting to soften the fences and create privacy.

Plan view of the new garden showing the new curved path, evening patio and new planting areas to replace the lawn.

Brick path and woodland style perennial planting.

New broad stone steps lead to the new evening patio.

New brick path winds through the shady borders.