Sustainable and Wildlife Friendly Garden Design, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A sustainable garden using eco friendly materials to encourage wildlife in to this family garden in Hertfordshire.
This sustainable garden design project in Bishop’s Stortford focuses on creating a relaxed and immersive outdoor space filled with naturalistic planting, softer landscaping and areas for both entertaining and quiet retreat.
Designed with biodiversity and longevity in mind, the garden combines eco-friendly materials with layered perennial planting, ornamental grasses and wildlife-friendly elements to create a garden that feels both practical and deeply connected to nature.
The Brief
The brief for this rear garden was to transform it into a more sustainable and biodiverse outdoor space that would feel softer, greener and enjoyable all year.
The clients wanted the garden to include several areas for relaxing and entertaining, including space for a hammock, seating for four and a BBQ area, while still maintaining an open and natural feel.
The garden design was part of an extension build to the house, and Zoe was contacted before work had begun, allowing the garden design to be considered alongside the wider building project from the outset. This meant changes in level and garden steps could be incorporated into the build, helping create a stronger connection between the house and garden.
A strong emphasis was placed on planting, with a desire for lush borders filled with perennials, ornamental grasses and pollinator-friendly planting. The clients favourite plants included echinacea, poppies, iris and agapanthus, with fiery reds and warm tones. Even though there would be lots of plants, the garden also needed to remain relatively low maintenance while still allowing for some light weeding and tidying.
The Design
The design introduces a series of connected garden zones, helping break the space into distinct areas for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying the planting.
A bespoke Accoya decking area was designed to complement the irregular shape of the garden and create a warm, inviting seating space connected to the house. A matching bespoke pergola helps frame the area and adds structure within the garden. Accoya was chosen for its exceptional durability, stability and sustainability credentials. It is also splinter-resistant which is great underfoot in the warmer weather.
Unlike many timber alternatives, it is highly resistant to warping, swelling and splitting, making it particularly well suited to outdoor environments. It also requires very little maintenance over time and can either retain its original appearance or naturally weather to a softer silver-grey finish.
Sahara Beige limestone paving was selected for pathways and paved areas, bringing warmth and softness into the scheme through its natural beige tones and subtle texture. The limestone provides a durable, non-slip surface, while its natural composition and longevity also make it an environmentally conscious material choice.
A section of wildflower turf was incorporated along the hedge line to help encourage pollinators and increase biodiversity within the garden, while high-quality turf was laid within the main lawn area to create a softer open space that helps break the garden into distinct zones.
Existing Leylandii hedging is retained to preserve privacy and maturity within the garden, while additional planting helps soften fencing and screen the heat pump naturally without obstructing ventilation.
The planting
Planting plays a major role within the overall design, helping soften the hard landscaping and create a more naturalistic atmosphere throughout the garden.
The planting palette combines ornamental grasses, lush green planting and a wide variety of perennials chosen for their colour, texture and seasonal interest.
Particular emphasis has been placed on spring and summer planting, with vibrant reds, warm tones and softer naturalistic combinations helping create movement and richness across the borders.
The layered planting style also helps encourage pollinators and wildlife into the garden while supporting a more sustainable approach to garden design. Once established, the plants will fill this bed!
The Outcome
The result is a sustainable and wildlife-friendly garden full of seasonal interest. By combining durable natural materials with richly layered planting, the garden balances practicality with a softer, more relaxed atmosphere that will continue to evolve beautifully over time.
The design creates a series of inviting outdoor spaces while remaining connected to nature and suited to modern everyday living.
“For me, this garden was about creating a space that felt softer, more natural and more connected to the surrounding environment. The planting plays a huge role in bringing movement, colour and biodiversity into the garden, while the sustainable material choices help ensure the space will age beautifully over time.”
Zoe Kilbride, Garden Designer
