Understated elegance typifies the best Victorian front gardens whether large or small. Mosaic tiles on a path or porch can be given a contemporary look using greys and blues. Rope edging or traditional setts along paths and borders are sympathetic to the period and new railings in Victorian style echo days gone by.
Elegant contrast : dark grey setts, steps and granite planters against mellow yellow brickwork
Victorian Front Gardens – Whetstone
Here the mellow yellow bricks of the large Victorian house are contrasted with greys. The geometry of the bay window is echoed in the border shapes which are edged in basalt setts. Smart new basalt steps lead to the Victorian tiled porch. The tile pattern is a twist on a traditional style using shades of grey, black and white.
Dark grey basalt steps lead to Victorian tiled porch
Victorian Front Gardens – Stroud Green
Victorian rope edging and dove grey pebbles with bespoke grey bin store
In this tiny garden, a lovely blue and grey tiled path leads to the front door. I designed a neat bin store to fit the space. It blends in perfectly with its grey painted finish. The new Victorian- style railings have contemporary ball finials to add a touch of fun. The old wall was re-shaped, rendered and painted and finished with stone copings.
Plants
All Victorian Front Gardens should have interesting plants as the Victorians were avid plant collectors. A lollipop stem of flowering privet in a large planter with a small rope-edged border including penstemon and hebe gives evergreen interest in the small garden. In the larger garden, grander borders include the architectural Aralia elata, winter flowering viburnums, holly and creamy roses. Holly balls on stems in granite planters frame the entrance. Tulipa ‘Claudia’ is a colourful addition in spring with narcissi.
Victorian Tiling, Setts and Pebbles
Victorian tiled path in blues, grey and white
Reproduction Victorian tiles in a variety of geometric shapes are available from specialist suppliers in a range of colours. I designed the patterns for expert tilers to lay on prepared bases. The basalt setts were laid and cut beautifully to curved shapes by experienced landscapers. The gravel driveway has Scottish Atlantic pebbles over a honeycomb grid for strength. The dove grey pebbles in the small garden tone with the other greys in the garden.
Basalt sett edging detail and Scottish Atlantic pebbles