solent Project

Relocating to Dorset for a new chapter in life, with their children having left home, the owners of our Solent Project wanted a garden that would help them embrace their surroundings, establish a love of gardening and create a welcoming space for family and friends. Living just a stone's throw from the beach, they envisioned a landscape that would encourage healthy outdoor living, support their wellbeing and provide opportunities to grow food, relax and entertain.

The existing garden offered plenty of opportunity but required thoughtful reimagining to unlock its full potential. Mature trees, ageing structures and a fragmented layout limited light and the way the space could be enjoyed. Our design carefully opened up the garden while retaining its sense of maturity and character, creating a series of connected spaces that feel both inviting and purposeful.

At the heart of the design is a bound gravel dining area framed with Corten steel edging, providing a space for entertaining. A limestone sett path leads to a bespoke timber pergola positioned to capture the last of the evening sun. Draped with fragrant climbing plants, this multi-functional structure combines outdoor cooking, reading and relaxation, with a generous U-shaped bench providing a comfortable place to gather throughout the day.

Sustainability played an important role throughout the project, as per our design ethos. Materials from the original boundary wall were reused as sub-base beneath the dining area, reducing waste and minimising the overall need for imported materials. To enhance privacy and strengthen the garden's structure, four pleached hornbeams were introduced while an existing willow was carefully pollarded to encourage healthy new growth. A new boundary fence provides the framework for fan-trained and espalier fruit trees, maximising productivity without compromising available space.

The planting palette combines herbaceous perennials with shade-tolerant shrubs, all sourced from a specialist nursery in the New Forest that propagates its own plants using sustainable bracken compost. Carefully selected for seasonal succession, the planting ensures the garden offers colour, texture and interest throughout the year.

The completed garden takes visitors on a journey, transitioning from a tranquil woodland-inspired section into a contemporary entertaining space, unified through a carefully considered palette of materials and planting. Above all, it reflects the owners' willingness to embrace new ideas. Their trust in our design process, commitment to handcrafted detailing and shared passion for sustainable landscape design have created a garden that is not only aesthetically considered, but deeply connected to the way they want to live.