Contemporary Terraced Garden Design, Bishop's Storford, Hertfordshire
A multi-level garden designed to create flow, structure and usable outdoor space
This concept design was created for a compact west-facing terraced garden behind a Victorian-style home in Bishop’s Stortford. While the architecture of the house leaned traditional, the client wanted the garden to feel clean and contemporary, combining strong structure, atmosphere and lush planting within a limited footprint.
The Brief
The client wanted a modern garden that would complement the character of the house while making the most of a relatively small outdoor space. The design needed to accommodate a generous garden room, an intimate seating area for two and plenty of planting to soften the garden and create a sense of atmosphere.
The Design
To make the space feel larger and more structured, the garden was carefully arranged into a series of simple, well-defined areas. A garden room forms a key focal point at the end of the garden, creating a strong visual anchor and extending the usable space outdoors.
To enhance the sense of depth, the garden room was clad in burnt cedar Millboard cladding. This design decision allows the structure to visually recede and helps create a stronger sense of perspective across the garden.
Materials were selected to balance modern and rustic elements, bringing warmth and texture to the space while maintaining a contemporary feel.
Planting
With no lawn, planting plays an important role in softening the design and bringing life to the garden. Clay pavers interplanted with thyme introduce fragrance and texture underfoot, while layered planting provides seasonal interest and movement throughout the year.
The planting palette was designed to create a lush, immersive feel that contrasts with the clean architectural structure of the layout.
Outcome
The finished design creates a calm and secluded garden that feels far larger than its footprint. The combination of structured layout, thoughtful material choices and rich planting transforms the space into a private retreat that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons.
This project forms part of my garden design work in Bishop's Stortford and the surrounding areas.
“Designing this garden was all about creating a peaceful escape within a compact space. I wanted it to feel calm and welcoming, with planting that softened the clean lines of the layout. The garden room is a strong architectural feature, but by using dark cladding and surrounding it with planting, it becomes part of the landscape rather than dominating it. It’s a lovely example of how even small gardens can feel generous and full of atmosphere.”
Zoe Kilbride, Garden Designer