The goal for this project was to create a modern, sleek, Ibiza-style garden that still felt grounded in its rural, farm-like surroundings. It was all about striking a balance contemporary elegance with a nod to the countryside.
To achieve this, we combined bold, exotic planting with more traditional hedging. Tropical palms and banana trees bring that laid-back, Mediterranean feel, while Japanese holly and cherry laurels offer structure and year-round greenery. This fusion of styles results in a planting scheme that feels both fresh and connected to the landscape, a vibrant mix that truly complements the natural beauty around it.
A key feature of the garden is the mirror pond. A calm, reflective space that attracts birds and small wildlife. While it was designed for its visual appeal, it’s proven to be so much more. The gentle sound of the water feature adds a tranquil atmosphere, and the pond has quickly become a vital part of the garden’s ecosystem. To enhance its reflective quality, a wildlife-friendly black dye was added, turning the surface into a natural mirror that captures the garden from every angle. At night, pond lights fixed to the liner create a magical, starry-sky effect beneath the water.
Porcelain was used extensively throughout, cladding the built-in BBQ, the outdoor media wall which holds the freestanding log burner. These sleek finishes along with the scent of burning logs from the fire on a cool summer evening, evoking the feeling of being back on the farm.
To maintain an open connection to the surrounding landscape, we opted for a glass balustrade along the boundary instead of a solid fence. This transparent barrier offers security without blocking the sweeping views of the farmland beyond, blending the garden into its environment.
The sunken fire pit area was added in a second phase and although installing it into an already landscaped space came with its challenges, it was worth it. With a butane fire at its centre, we chose a more sustainable approach to heating, avoiding gas-fed flames to stay in harmony with the rural setting.
Now, our clients can relax in this intimate space, overlooking rolling hills as they watch the sun dip below the horizon. Lighting was thoughtfully integrated across the entire garden to extend its usability into the evening. LED strip lighting was installed beneath steps, around the BBQ and media areas and in the shadow gaps surrounding the sunken fire pit.
