This project involved the complete transformation of a long-neglected, overgrown garden into a vibrant, structured, and highly functional outdoor sanctuary. Designed with both visual harmony and practical use in mind, the garden now offers a refined, immersive experience that balances natural beauty with intentional design. At its heart, a main patio is elegantly connected to a more secluded rear patio by a series of random-length natural stone stepping stones, creating rhythm and flow throughout the space. The rear patio is enveloped by tall, architectural Phyllostachis aurea, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a private tropical retreat, rich in texture and movement. On the left side, we constructed two bespoke wooden raised beds, tailored for the client’s use in cultivating aromatic herbs—merging functionality with understated elegance. To the right, a striking Trachycarpus fortunei palm serves as a focal point, complemented by a generously planted bed that delivers seasonal interest, structure, and year-round interest.

Design ideas for a medium sized contemporary garden in Edinburgh.

Katherine Roper
Inspiration for a medium sized world-inspired garden in Other with a water feature.

L’entrée, transition douce entre le bas et le haut du terrain, commence par de larges marches, mixant bois et gravier blanc. Cet escalier est encadré par une végétation abondante, des plantes fleuries aux teintes rouges et roses en côtoient d’autres aux feuillages denses, tandis que l’olivier et des cyprès de Florence viennent ponctuer le paysage. Ces éléments guident le regard vers la maison, dont les lignes épurées et les façades blanches contrastent avec la chaleur des matériaux naturels utilisés.

The new lawn makes the garden seem bigger and deeper. It's a shallow garden with a point to the left, now concealed by trees and the swing seat. New planting contrasts purples, greys and greens. Jane Harries

Photo of a medium sized country back full sun garden for summer in Cheshire with natural stone paving.

Medium sized contemporary back formal full sun garden for summer in London with a pond and natural stone paving.

Our clients on this project wanted spaces for entertaining, an area to grow fruit and veg and a lawn. The new layout places the garden at a 45° angle to the house to create the illusion of greater width and depth. Directly outside the back door a raised bed clad with decorative encaustic tile serves as a focal point from the house and adds year round colour to the garden. To the front of the raised bed a porcelain patio adjoins the house, from which two porcelain tiled pathways lead down the garden. The left-hand pathway passes beneath two black powder coated steel arches and down to join a large porcelain patio in the bottom left corner of the space. To the left of the path is deep planting bed with several corten weathered steel decorative screens installed along the fence line. Trees along the rear boundary improve screening and privacy. A corten steel water table and large corten steel cube planter create a focal point. Another path leads from the main patio towards the back right corner of the space, passing beneath three black steel arches and then turning right to lead back towards the house. To the right of this path we have installed a ‘grow your own’ area comprising a greenhouse, three large railway sleeper raised beds and a compost and water butt. The pathway terminates at the small patio adjoining the house, with a small lawn at the centre of the garden. The planting scheme features a background of evergreen shrubs mixed with perennials in zingy limes, oranges, purples and whites to give year-round interest.

Coastal inspired front garden
This is an example of a medium sized garden in Brisbane.

Yorkstone patio surrounded by colourful planting with stylish lounge seating and sunshade in garden with 2 patios, pretty shed, lawn and glorious borders

This is an Aquascape Ecosystem Pond installed in the Autumn of 2019 in Newcastle New South Wales. Access was tight with a crane required to transport excavation equipment and materials on to the site. The end result is breathtaking. This is 6 months on, crystal clear water, no algae and a very happy family of 4 enjoying the Aquascape lifestyle day in, day out.

A small garden at the rear of a Grade II Listed property was extended beyond the original boundary after the client purchased the derelict and overgrown plots beyond. The original lawned garden space was redesigned as a courtyard using reclaimed yorkstone and a more contemporary 'secret garden' was created beyond the wall. A sunny chill out zone was created for the family to relax in, and a productive garden includes fruit trees and raised beds for growing vegetables.

Japanese Box Hedge Star Jasmine crosses
This is an example of a medium sized front driveway partial sun garden for spring in Adelaide with a garden path and concrete paving.

Photo of a medium sized contemporary back full sun garden for summer in London with a pond and natural stone paving.

Ruth Willmott
Design ideas for a medium sized modern back formal garden in London.

Paul Debois
Medium sized traditional garden in London.

Design ideas for a medium sized bohemian garden in Kent with decking.

Elevated view across the garden
Photo of a medium sized contemporary back garden in London.

Inspiration for a medium sized contemporary back garden in Hertfordshire with a raised bed.