Tiered Front Garden Design, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A tiered front garden designed to soften level changes and create a welcoming entrance
This front garden design project in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire involved transforming a challenging sloping frontage into an attractive, practical and welcoming entrance to the property.
Significant changes in level across the site required a carefully considered design that balanced access, retaining walls, hard landscaping and planting. The aim was to create a scheme that felt cohesive and welcoming, while softening the impact of the extensive structural elements needed to navigate the slope.
The Brief
The clients wanted to improve the appearance of the front garden while addressing the practical challenges presented by the site's steep levels.
The design needed to provide clear and comfortable access to the property, enhance the kerb appeal of the house and soften the large areas of retaining walls and hard landscaping. The garden also needed to feel attractive throughout the year, with planting that would provide colour, texture and structure without becoming high maintenance.
The Design
The garden was designed around a series of carefully integrated levels, creating a practical route from the driveway to the front door while making the most of the elevated position of the property.
Extensive retaining walls and steps were incorporated to manage the change in height across the site. Planting beds were positioned throughout the scheme to soften the hard landscaping and introduce seasonal interest, helping to create a more natural and welcoming feel.
Layered planting was used to add depth and structure, while carefully selected shrubs, grasses and perennials provide year-round interest and help connect the different levels of the garden into a cohesive design.
The Outcome
The completed garden provides a practical and attractive entrance that responds to the challenges of the site while significantly enhancing the appearance of the property.
What was once a difficult sloping frontage is now a well-structured and welcoming front garden that balances hard landscaping and planting, creating a strong first impression and improving the overall kerb appeal of the home.
The Planting
The planting palette was carefully selected to thrive in the garden's north-facing conditions while still providing colour, texture and seasonal interest throughout the year.
Structural evergreen planting forms the backbone of the scheme, providing year-round presence and helping to anchor the design. This is complemented by a mix of colourful perennials and foliage plants, chosen to bring softness, movement and warmth to the space as the seasons change.
The layered planting style also plays an important role in softening the hard landscaping and changes in level throughout the garden. As the planting matures, it will continue to knit the different elements together, creating a garden that feels increasingly cohesive, balanced and established over time.
“Front gardens often have a difficult job to do. They need to be practical, welcoming and attractive, all while working around driveways, level changes and access requirements. This project was about finding the right balance between structure and softness to create an entrance that feels both functional and beautiful.”
Zoe Kilbride, Garden Designer
