A Hidden Garden Room

A hidden garden can be an enchanting place, a quiet haven where we can escape from the hustle and bustle of the world. A setting where we can hide ourselves away for intimate encounters, pondering over a fine read whilst sipping on home brewed tea. A space where we can breathe in the fresh air, listen to the sweet birdsong and the distant sound of trickling water beyond; or just close our eyes for a little catnap and forget about time for a while. There are many types of private spaces we can immerse ourselves in, such as secluded garden rooms and conservatories, under romantic arbors and vine covered pergolas, urban courtyards and rooftops, wild and woodland gardens, daybeds and treehouses, it just needs imagination, vision, playfulness and the talent to make the garden tell a story.

The art of introducing a narrative into the concept of the garden is key to achieving the result, along with clarity of the concept carried through into the smallest detail. Bringing together inspiration from a variety of elements you love will create a very personalized setting. Elements such as a structure, door, sculpture, artwork, a large pot or seating will act as focal points to draw the viewer into the hidden area. Another essential element is water, and there is an array of unique water bowls, vessels, fountains & ponds on offer.  The gentle trickle of water is more pleasant to the ear, than a loud cascading waterfall, and when hidden away or partly seen by the eye, this will achieve a sense of curiosity and a connection with nature. Thoughtful consideration should also be placed into the correct plantings, that are best suited for the site and scene. Our years of horticultural knowledge has gifted us with a great understanding of the finest selection of plantings to achieve the mood of the theme.  We also contemplate what foliage can be cut and collected to bring inside the home. Fresh botanica and branches can be loosely arranged in a mix of translucent glass & crystal vessels, or verdigris and earthenware pots that compliment the interior. So why not think about having your own little getaway at home?

When we create concepts for a design, we love to encourage people to think about incorporating these ideas, whether that be inside or outside. It doesn’t have to be a large area, just a designated space, a room, or a little nook. The imagery above is a perfect example of how this can be achieved.  This creative space is from one of our projects styled “The green teahouse”. We gained inspiration from a variety of different elements from Japanese teahouses to mossy rocks and the ancient hanging gardens. This sanctuary is a very special place, where one meanders up a narrow stone stepper pathway. Overgrown foliage hides certain elements, the sound of trickling water draws the viewer in, and makes one wonder what is beyond? The path draws you in to a large structure, that resembles a verdigris conservatory. There is an invitation to dwell on the habitat seat where one can capture different moods of light and shade throughout the day. Rooftop encased with pendulous, draping vertical climbers and multiple maple canopies, where you feel hidden away from the outside world.  The sound of rustling bamboo that gently swifts in the breeze and the subtle scent of old-world perennials; sends a delightful aroma into the air. Textural moss-covered stone sculptures are reminiscent of a Victorian folly. A selected colour palette of tints and shades of greens and fresh whites to achieve a sense of nature, tranquility and harmony. A mix of specimen trees with delicate foliage offers filtered light and rusted autumn colour.  Large and unusually shaped leaves offer privacy, shade and tropical lushness.

With clever and thoughtful design, we can create this special room that tells a story for your home, where you will always desire and crave to return too.

Some suggested plants for an enchanged garden room:

Trees

Acer palmatum senkaki, Cornus florida

Shrubs

Acacia cognata, Bambusa multiplex, Magnolia grandiflora ‘little gem’

Climbers

Ficus pumila,

Old World perennials

Acanthus mollis, Clematis Asagasumi, Digitalis purpurea ‘Camelot white’, Euphorbia characias, Helleborus viridis