Take a peek into this tropical garden paradise, inspired by a trip to Thailand
Timber decking, tall palms and outdoor seating have created an area where the owners can relax and eat alfresco
Tackling the garden was the final part of a two-year house renovation for the owners of this property. The original garden had uneven paving and unloved plant beds and needed a lot of TLC. 'We'd left it until last so that we had a place to store all the building materials - it was a dumping ground,' says the owner.
Overlooked by neighbours, the garden measured just 7.60m x 4.60m and had beds around the edges that made it seem even smaller. 'It felt very uninviting. with damaged crazy paving, and was horribly overgrown.' Its only saving graces were its original red-brick Victorian wall and a tall hedge at the bottom.
The couple set aside a budget of £5000 for a professional to tackle the project. They had been on Honeymoon in Thailand and were inspired by the use of timber, lush green planting and clean lines they saw out there, and they wanted to recreate their very own tropical outdoor paradise.
Looking for garden inspiration? Check out our expert garden ideas
The owners wanted specific spaces for relaxing and eating, so the small garden was divided into two zones, with decking nearest the house and paving in the second half. Gaps were left for plants to be added.
The couple can step from their kitchen on to this timber-decked area. 'We don't have a kitchen table so this is the perfect place to have coffee or breakfast in warmer months.'
At the end of the garden there's a snug little seating zone, which is gorgeous in the evening with the firepit glowing. 'You feel like you've made a real journey to get there, even though it's literally just a few paces away.'
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
Keeping the Victorian wall was a must for the couple. 'The red bricks add a natural warmth, and wildflowers have embedded themselves in the loose pointing. They flower at different times of the year and we never know what's going to appear, but it's lovely to have that surprise.'
Exotic plants were incorporated into the scheme to add to the tropical feel. A variety of low-maintenance palms, ferns and hardy grasses were planted - adding texture, height, privacy and dappled shade to the garden.
Read more: Small garden ideas to make the most of a tiny space
Our garden is no longer an eyesore, but looks beautiful all year round.'
Get the look
Buy now: Dining table and chairs, £324.50, M&S
Buy now: Fire pit, from £60, Garden Trading
Buy now: Herringbone throw, £52.95, Hurn & Hurn
Buy now: Geometric cushion, £28, Debenhams
-
Three design experts share their secrets for how to choose the perfect carpet and rug for your home
Whatever your budget, there's plenty to consider when it comes to choosing a new carpet or rug, as our three experts share
By Jennifer Morgan
-
Primark’s Christmas decorations start at £1 – but be quick, this retro decor is already starting to sell out
Today I learned how much I needed a sleigh shaped gravy boat
By Kezia Reynolds
-
'The character was all there, it had just been buried under years of neglect'
Looking past the dark brown 1980s decor, the owners could see the potential in this once-dingy cottage
By Heather Dixon
-
Mum saved £600 on this lovely garden-themed bedroom for her daughters
Budget-savvy choices helped keep costs down in this perfectly pretty scheme
By Laurie Davidson
-
This tired patio was transformed into a dreamy al fresco spot with second hand buys
From uninviting to enticing
By Laurie Davidson
-
Clever mum saves £2,200 on garden makeover by doing it all herself
Hard work and savvy shopping helped keep costs down
By Laurie Davidson
-
Structural planting, clever lighting and built-in furniture transforms an unloved outdoor space
A professional makeover was required to create this cleverly zoned, easy to maintain outside room
By Ruth Corbett
-
See how a city garden was turned from jungle into an urban oasis with raised beds and mature trees
A neglected jungle of a city garden was transformed into a design that combines structure and functionality
By Ruth Corbett
-
Before and after: enjoy this gorgeous garden makeover with fab she shed!
An uninspiring rectangular plot has become a multi-purpose area for leisure, working and entertaining
By Amy Cutmore
-
Enjoy a multi-zoned, sophisticated garden designed to suit the whole family
With spaces for eating, socialising, alone time and hobbies, these homeowners have created a garden everyone can enjoy
By Tamara Kelly
-
Before and after: making good use of an unloved garden space
An awkward suburban outdoor area has been turned into a family garden room fit for chilling out and alfresco entertaining
By Tamara Kelly