Cromwell Road, Wimbledon
South-west London
A square, south-facing residential garden in south-west London
Features images taken two months after planting in June 2024
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Felicity designed this sunny, south-facing residential garden in south-west London on the diagonal to draw the eye and lengthen the perspective of this typically square plot.
This creative orientation enabled the subtle introduction of a circular morning terrace for summer breakfasts closer to the house and another, larger, raised terrace at the rear of the garden, both neatly nestled amongst a variety of planting.
An ASGARD bicycle shed provides unobtrusive storage in the front garden, whilst a slim, tall, storage cupboard in the back garden blends with the fence at the rear, which a specimen Enkianthus campanulatas will in time disguise.
A gravel area at the end of the garden is earmarked for lounging chairs and a firepit.
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A square, south-facing residential garden in south-west London
Features images taken two months after planting in June 2024
​
Felicity designed this sunny, south-facing residential garden in south-west London on the diagonal to draw the eye and lengthen the perspective of this typically square plot.
This creative orientation enabled the subtle introduction of a circular morning terrace for summer breakfasts closer to the house and another, larger, raised terrace at the rear of the garden, both neatly nestled amongst a variety of planting.
An ASGARD bicycle shed provides unobtrusive storage in the front garden, whilst a slim, tall, storage cupboard in the back garden blends with the fence at the rear, which a specimen Enkianthus campanulatas will in time disguise.
A gravel area at the end of the garden is earmarked for lounging chairs and a firepit.
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Combining Geometry with Practicality
Felicity created several routes across and through the garden to create interest.
Using the 45-degree geometry created by the diagonal orientation of the garden, the (above) limestone gravel path weaves around the existing Bay Tree, providing a more textured surface for both the sensory look and feeling of walking along.
This is also the route to the rear of the garden for use in wet winters to avoid compacting the lawn and getting muddy shoes!
​Raised Limestone dining terrace
The raised limestone dining terrace with brick-edged detailing captures the last of the evening sun.
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Ideal for entertaining, this discreet area has been designed to enable outdoor dining parties of 6-12 people.
The contemporary furniture aims to blend into the surroundings and avoid distraction from the surrounded lush planting.
The black painted fences highlight the plants in the foreground and allow the boundary of the garden to fade into the background.
Subtle Garden Storage
Clients always require garden storage but, as the above image demonstrates, a garden shed doesn’t have to dominate one corner of your garden.
Felicity’s ideas for creating subtle storage solutions involved installing storage for bicycles at the front of the property where they are most needed, reducing the need and space for additional storage in the rear garden.
This solution allowed the installation of a tall, but shallow, storage cupboard between the two paved seating areas, leaving the right-hand corner of the garden free for use as an informal area for seating and a fire pit.
A Room with a View
When designing this garden, Felicity very carefully considered the views afforded from the lines of sight from within the house, as she felt it was important for her clients to fully enjoy the planting, not only from within the garden, but from inside the house itself.
To achieve this, she orientated the garden on the diagonal, which allowed her to design deep planting beds close to the glass doors. By doing so, this design feature draws the eye across the garden, giving a perception of length.
When open, the full-length bi-fold doors integrate with the diagonally orientated limestone terrace, seamlessly blending the interior with the exterior, the planting pockets close to the house streamlining the views to either side of the garden.
The black fence in the background helps the boundary visually recede, emphasising the surrounding planting, whilst planting in the foreground provides year-round interest, further enhancing the perception of depth.
Views from the Garden
Felicity considered not only the views from the house, but also the views afforded by sitting in the different places within the garden.
Looking at the house from the end of the garden you can see the diagonal orientation of the lawn and how plants surround each of the different places to sit within the garden.
The limestone gravel path uses 45 degrees to work its way around the mature topiarised bay tree, affording access to the lawn and a mud-free way to move from the back of the garden to the house in the winter months.
These routes within the design create interest and allow the clients more freedom to move around the garden in ways prescribed by the design and their functional requirements.
A diagonal orientation
​Nestled between planting beds, and level with the interior, the terrace provides a natural step down into the garden. This change of level also creates informal seating, or steps on which to perch, creating an immersive experience of stepping in between the planting and into the garden itself.
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The diagonal orientation with planting in foreground and around the boundary of the garden creates depth and a wider perception of the overall garden.
A circular breakfast terrace
Herringbone pavers demarcate this circular breakfast terrace, creating a unique place in the garden to enjoy the morning sunshine.
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Ideall;y positioned for clients to enjoy breakfast on sunny mornings, the paving of this circular terrace is detailed with sandstone pitchers arranged in a herringbone design.
Purposefully nestled in deep planting beds, the terrace creates a different feel and separate sense of place in this part of this truly functional south-west London garden.
Client's Testimonial
Garden Design Review for Felicity O'Rourke by Jeremy and Sarah Law
"We recently had the pleasure of working with Felicity O'Rourke for a complete redesign of our garden, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome."
Design Quality
"Felicity challenged us to think differently about the shape and layout of our garden, transforming it into a dynamic and inviting space. The planting plan she created is nothing short of amazing - every plant was thoughtfully selected to ensure vibrant colors and textures throughout the year. This attention to detail guarantees that there's always something beautiful to admire, making the garden a true delight in every season."
Professionalism and Personal Touch
"Working with Felicity was an absolute pleasure. She struck the perfect balance between professionalism and personal warmth, making the entire process enjoyable. Felicity was always open to our ideas and feedback, encouraging collaboration while also providing expert guidance. It felt less like a transactional relationship and more like a partnership where our vision was genuinely valued."
Great Team of Landscapers
"Felicity also brought in an exceptional team of landscapers who executed the design flawlessly. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail were evident in every aspect of the installation. They worked efficiently, respected our property, and left everything looking immaculate."
Overall Outcome
"The final result exceeded our expectations. Our garden has transformed into a stunning retreat that reflects our personal style while also being practical for everyday use. Friends and family have been in awe of the transformation, and we find ourselves spending more time outside than ever before. We wholeheartedly recommend Felicity O'Rourke to anyone looking to create or enhance their outdoor space. Her innovative approach, fantastic planting plan, and passion for design - coupled with her excellent team- truly shine through in every aspect of her work!"
Contact Felicity
To discuss your own garden design aspirations, feel free to call Felicity on
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07961 148012
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or email: felicity@felicityorourkegardendesign.com
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