Hi, what are the dimensions (roughly) of the garden? And could you also post a photo from the other end towards the house? I'd be happy to see if I can give you a couple of design options, but need that info.

I think the doors on the right hand side need a (small) patio in front of them too. It's nice to have the option to sit in either the sunny or the shaded part.

Hi Danny,

I think that overall, this rough shape that you have already established (an area for patio outside the house, a lawn with a path down the middle to a second - possibly seating? - area) looks good for a modern formal design for a garden of your shape.

I don't really know the measurements, but from the pictures it seems that the patio area outside the house seems a bit on the small side. I would make it a bit bigger so that you can put some seating provision in it, maybe with a fire bowl (since as I understand it this is a shady area?).

You also need space for planting to make this garden come alive. I would create planting areas around the seating areas and also along the lawn area. I didn't really understand where the change in level is (and hence where you want to put the retaining wall), but I would possibly plant along that retaining wall as well. I would go for an elegant planting scheme with grasses and discrete whites and maybe cool blues and possibly use some box balls or something similar to line the borders, so that the planting also has a modern look to go with the design.

If you need any further help, I offer a range of online affordable garden design services - from sketches and planting plans only to garden plans with planting plans and 3D visuals add ons. I would be very happy to help with a tailored solution for you lovely space!

Good luck with your garden,

Deborah

The Rooted Concept Garden Designs

thanks both for your response, sorry I don't log on very much, very busy doing the internals of the house. I have put a picture up of the other view. the garden is roughly 18 meters long, and 6.5 meters wide. the garden is on 2 levels, not much between the 2 but couldn't get a digger down to level it all. Yes the plan was to have a seating area/ BBQ area at the back and some small seating on the patio outside the doors. the patio is roughly 3 meters out from the door.

I have a garage survey happening next week to see if it's safe to stay standing so this could seriously alter my garden plans (potentially bigger garden if it needs knocking down a bit)

So, here are two rough ideas for you. I'd level the garden out towards the back and make a raised patio there, because from what I can see it seems the most logical thing to do, using (concrete) sleepers as a retaining wall. I'd plant a (multi stemmed) tree in the back left corner to hide the view on the houses behind. If you feel it is more logical to have the step up elsewhere, you can easily adjust the design with the horizontal lines.

I would definitely not have a path down the middle, it splits the garden into two narrow strips, just doesn't feel right to me and it is boring. Also, it leads your eyes directly towards the back of the garden, making it look smaller. If you want to make it look wider/larger, you have to divert your eyes, using curves or horizontal lines, or even angles (didn't draw that). Also, bringing height into the garden with a pergola makes your eyes stop before they look further, having the same effect of making it seem larger.

Anyway... here's what I'm thinking