Modern Rear Garden Design

Following the success of her design for the front garden of this contemporary property, Lucy was invited to transform the rear garden into a stylish, functional space that would complement the home’s modern architecture. The brief called for clean lines, practical entertaining areas, and bold planting to provide structure and seasonal interest.

Lucy designed a large entertaining terrace paved in sleek grey granite, perfectly suited to the property’s style, along with a second more intimate seating area beside the glasshouse—ideal for relaxed dining or morning coffee. A striking black composite deck “boardwalk” was introduced, wrapping around the property to resolve the change in levels. This practical feature doubles as a design statement, unifying the scheme while keeping the layout simple, uncluttered, and highly usable.

The planting was designed with impact in mind, using bold, architectural blocks for contrast and rhythm. Hakonechloa grasses soften the edges with movement, while Hebe shrubs provide structure and texture. Multi-stem Cornus kousa trees introduce vertical drama, particularly in spring when their spectacular blooms create a focal point. A row of pleached trees frames the garden, offering privacy and an elegant sense of enclosure.

Around the pond, Lucy enhanced the planting with a striking band of Miscanthus grasses, chosen for their height, texture, and seasonal beauty. As they mature, they will create a bold backdrop, framing the water and transforming this corner of the garden into a tranquil retreat.

Lucy also guided her clients in selecting the most suitable materials for their new balcony. With over five years of experience in the natural stone industry, she was able to draw on her extensive product knowledge to ensure the final choice complemented both the garden and the house.

The result is a modern rear garden that balances contemporary hard landscaping with soft, dramatic planting—designed for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying year-round