Create your space.
Think what you want from your outdoor space and then how best to integrate it with what already exists.
Uk ProLandscaper Awards 2020.
“Steeply sloping and overgrown site. Innovative low impact - low off site materials ethos creates garden on a slope with zig zag path using most on site materials . Robust / rugged construction to cope with slope but create vista up the garden. Client collaboration and good planting well cared for has created dramatic space. Lots of work to this one, beautiful natural transformation. The steps just make you want to climb up and discover what's beyond.”
— Judging panel 2020 Futurescapes UK Pro lanscaper awards
( Design and Build under £25,000 - ‘Granton by sea’ shortlisted and subsequently runner up)
Edinburgh coastal views
What was scrubland and a decidely ropey path access to the main road above, has become robust whinstone and granite steps, robust planting and gorgeous view points.
A steep hillside garden
This was a steep hillside plot that was fully overgrown with all kinds of thuggish plants. The main brief was to gain safe, secure access to the main road above the garden. The next was to create a spot to relax and enjoy the views. And the final brief was to create an interesting garden …
A haven for every hedgrow ‘weed’
This north facing hillside and former council wasteground has many local inhabitants including nettles, brambles, willowherb, creeping buttercup, couchgrass, ground elder and bindweed. Digging down during early works revealed ‘sedimentary’ layers of rubbish going down several feet. But in amongst all this was actually really good loamy soil.
After discussions with the client, efforts to tame the hillside were sidelined. Instead we took the approach of working alongside the wildness, as a better and more realistic option.
Robust construction
Good solid robust steps curved for interest and definition, were created as the main feature. Along the climb, a network of small patios offer an opportunity for a seat and view, as well as a ‘base camp’ to tackle the wild hillside from, over the years. A Mediterranean style of planting was chosen to complement the location, and because many of the plants would enjoy the steep tough coastal location.
A warm relaxing mediterranean spot
This northern facing Edinburgh coastal garden suits its southern coat!
Keep things simple
Everything here has been re-used, with the new layout kept to a simple palette.
‘ Granton by the Sea’
Although a north facing Edinburgh coastal garden, the sun does shine very well on the good days. In winter, being at sea level, the temperatures doesn’t get as low as other parts of Edinburgh. So a mature fig tree and olive tree (rescued from another garden being demolished) are still thriving after three years.
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Top of the garden
Nearing the top of the garden is a small paved patio tucked into the wild hillside with amazing views out across the Firth of Forth. Nine more rugged steps up is the garden gate and access to the main road into the centre of Edinburgh, a few miles away.
Add interest at every turn
What in essence is a long narrow set of weaving steps all the way up a long narrow hillside garden, can have interest at every turn.