At Bradley & James, we believe every garden has the potential to become something special, regardless of its size or budget.
This Chesterfield project is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can completely transform an ordinary outdoor space into a garden our clients are proud to call their own.
The Brief
When we first visited the property, the garden was a simple, flat lawn with very little character. The clients wanted more than just a garden – they wanted an outdoor living space where they could relax, entertain friends and family, and enjoy spending time outdoors throughout the year.
Like many homeowners, they had a realistic budget and wanted to make the most of every pound spent.
The Design Solution
Rather than relying on expensive features throughout the garden, we focused on clever design techniques that would create maximum impact.
One of the key changes was introducing subtle level changes. We raised the lawn area slightly and created a gentle transition down to a new entertaining space using shallow stone rubble steps. This simple adjustment immediately added interest, structure and a sense of journey through the garden.
At the heart of the design is a stunning patio area featuring a show-stopping fire pit, creating the perfect focal point for the garden. The space is framed by a beautiful timber pergola, providing an inviting place to sit, relax and enjoy summer evenings long after the sun has gone down.
To complement the contemporary design, we used sleek porcelain paving to create stylish seating areas that feel both modern and practical.
A Flexible Approach to Planting
Not every client wants a fully planted garden from day one. Planting schemes can represent a significant proportion of a landscaping budget, so we often discuss alternative approaches with our clients.
For this project, the clients chose to develop the planting over time themselves. This allowed them to spread costs while enjoying the creative process of building their own planting scheme and adding personal touches to the garden as it matures.
The Result
The finished garden looks as though it has been created with a much larger budget than was actually available. Through clever design, thoughtful material choices and careful space planning, we’ve transformed a plain lawn into a beautiful outdoor living space that our clients absolutely love.
Better still, the project was completed just in time for the summer heatwaves, allowing the couple to enjoy their new garden from day one.
Whether you’re looking to completely transform your outdoor space or simply make better use of what you already have, Bradley & James work with gardens of all sizes and budgets to create spaces that are both beautiful and practical.
