Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Chilterns, this garden is more than just landscaping — it’s a sanctuary designed to delight both children and adults, to surprise, to reflect, and to play. The transformation by Living Colour Gardens turned a long border behind ancient yew hedging into a lush, immersive “secret garden” framed by sweeping curves and vibrant planting.
The Client Brief & Vision
The clients, already owners of a striking central sculpture (a “Beast” purchased two decades earlier), wanted a space that would feel magical — a hidden refuge that connected with their home and everyday life. The sculpture became the anchor for the design, shaping both mood and structure.
Their brief was evocative: to create “something wonderful” — somewhere full of light, joy, and discovery — where adults could reflect, children could explore, and the garden would feel alive year-round.
Design Strategy & Approach
Living Colour Gardens placed emphasis on organic flow, gentle movement, and visual invitation. The long border wasn’t merely a side feature; it was woven into the heart of the design, flanking the house and the entertaining terraces, and gradually drawing visitors into the garden’s hidden depths.
The curves were intentional: they lead the eye, slow the pace, and encourage wandering. With a curated plant palette, varied textures, and layered heights, the planting avoids rigid lines — it feels both generous and intimate. The existing ancient yew hedging becomes both enclosure and backdrop, lending drama and timeless structure.
Challenges & Solutions
1. Working with existing features
The pre-existing sculpture shaped much of the layout. Instead of trying to hide or compete with it, the design team made it central — allowing new planting and paths to respond and enhance its presence.
2. Integrating the long border
Rather than treating the border as an afterthought, it was woven into the main spatial narrative. It becomes a transitional zone — part of the garden’s “corridor” linking home, terrace, and secret spaces.
3. Light and enclosure
With mature hedging already in place, the design had to balance openness and enclosure. The plant palette and layout ensure that light filters through in interesting ways, while still maintaining a sense of privacy, mystery, and shelter.
The Completed Garden: Experience & Impact
Today, the garden unfolds gradually. What begins as a graceful border alongside the house leads you into a hidden space where surprises await — colours shift through the seasons, vistas open and close, and plantings feel both grand and intimate. The garden becomes a stage: for the sculpture, for seasonal change, for quiet moments or family exploration.
Visitors are drawn round, led by curves and planting transitions. Adults can pause in secluded niches; children have paths to discover; the overall feel retains a sense of enchantment rather than strict formal order.
Key Takeaways & Lessons
- Embrace existing elements — sculptures, mature hedging, or architectural pieces can become assets, not constraints.
- Design with movement — curves and transitions invite exploration and unfold experiences rather than imposing static views.
- Layer planting — use texture, height, seasonality, and depth to maintain interest and softness around hardscape.
- Blend function and atmosphere — the garden serves everyday living (entertaining, relaxing) while still evoking a sense of magic and discovery.