Long narrow gardens are made interesting by dividing the space into linking areas.  The use of curves also gives the appearance of greater width and it helps to keep the garden as open as possible to neighbouring gardens.  We applied these principles successfully in the re-design of a garden in Stoke Newington, North London

Stoke Newington Garden

Patio

The patio beside the house is used as an outdoor room.  The stone paving has been re-laid in an attractive flagstone arrangement.  A simple pattern of clay brick pavers makes the space feel larger.  It includes a semi-circle detail which links with the arc of a new raised brick planter.  This curve softens the patio edge, and encloses the space.

 

The area is screened with cedar strip lateral trellis for privacy.

Pergola and Cottage -Style Shed

The paving continues as a short section under a pergola. This has been planted with climbing roses, and a scented evergreen jasmine.  In time, these will screen the patio area.  Beneath the pergola is a thyme lawn, edged with clay pavers. The climbers are underplanted with Nepeta  and Achillea.

The pergola frames a small cottage-style shed items used on the patio.

 

Wavy Brick Paver Path, Lawn and Borders

A path of brick paver ‘stepping-stones’ invites us through the lawned area in a gentle meander past a willow tree.  Large curved borders are planted on either side.  The boundaries are mainly open to the adjacent gardens with a stretch of low palisade fence.  This gives the garden a spacious country feel, quite different to a long narrow garden in London.

Until the plants are established, the borders have been protected with netting as there are several foxes who like to visit.

 

Work Area Screened with Willow Hurdles

The path finishes at the paved work area with a large shed for storage. The work area s attractively screened with willow hurdles which fits the country-style of this part of the garden.