As a lighting designer for houses and their gardens, I had a good idea of how I might be able to incorporate some interesting lighting effects within my own outside space in Fulham. However, I have only a very basic knowledge of plants, and I was unsure how to make the most of my small space.
My garden is north facing and so rather being drenched in sunlight it is prone to be somewhat gloomy – a mood not relieved by the walls being painted a dirty peach colour. It is situated at the back of the house, nestling cosily between my kitchen and the District Line, along which trains trundle noisily, causing the existing trellis to shudder. Currently there is little floral eye candy to speak of, other than some shrubs planted by the previous owners and a couple of Bonsai trees, which have been left unsuitably in my care for the past few months. I have only recently moved into the property and my main concern has been the house itself; which is still not finished.
When I met garden-designer Joe Swift, of Modular Garden, he
showed me some examples of gardens he and his team have worked on. The company produces designs, and then installs them, for a fixed price; the prices rise in “steps” of £2,000 – I set a budget of £10,000. Modular Garden’s plans displayed the kind of uncluttered feel I want, being carefully designed without looking contrived or out of place. Joe showed me a laptop presentation explaining how the Modular Garden design process works, and asked me some questions in order to establish an idea of what I was hoping to achieve, and what practical requirements I have of my garden – did I, for example, need space to entertain? I want my garden to be both modern and timeless. High on my list of priorities is a planting scheme that is low maintenance and with a fairly neutral colour scheme, but with an accent colour or two. I am also eager to screen the view of the tube without blocking out any sunlight.
Modular Garden’s final design addressed all these issues, as well as providing me with a storage
space under the bench seating and an area in which to entertain. I love the idea of a “light box” on the side wall – lights fixed under a panel of Perspex framed in wood – which would give me the opportunity to set up some quirky lighting effects. The zinc-framed panels of mirror glass are an ingenious way to bounce light back into the garden, as well as giving a visual focus and maximizing the feeling of space.
The choice of plants fulfils my desire for simple yet architectural greenery that is easy to maintain and would look beautiful when lit. The pockets of pink and purple flowers will add vibrancy to the space. Joe also suggested decking the area in a deliciously nutty hardwood, ipe, which would add warmth and softness, and disguise the existing sloping paving.
I am thrilled with the design, which transforms the garden from its present grim and unloved state. Coupled with the spiked uplights to illuminate the planting, it will at the very least make washing up at the kitchen sink a pleasure.
