Designed for Life After the Rush | A Considered Garden Design in Shenley
A Garden for the Next Chapter
This project in Shenley marked a natural transition.
With children grown and careers entering their final years, the homeowners were ready to refresh both their front and rear gardens. The brief was simple: improve usability, introduce a covered outdoor kitchen, update the driveway, and create spaces that felt calm, refined and easy to live with.
The focus was not on adding more — but on improving how the garden worked.
Our Approach:
The key design challenge centred on the circulation and movement from the home via the conservatory door and the two levels without over-paving the garden. The solution a wide pathway with wide angular steps allow transition between all areas.
The Vision:
Connecting Two Levels Without Over-Paving
From the conservatory doors, the garden steps down to a lower dining terrace. The solution needed to connect these spaces clearly, without allowing paving to dominate the lawn.
Combined with the natural sandstone pathway runs directly in front of the conservatory, linking to an upper relaxing terrace. Angled steps lead down to the dining level below. Clay pavers introduce subtle definition between zones, breaking up the sandstone and guiding movement.
The same clay pavers are repeated in the front garden, quietly unifying the entire property.
Planting & Structure
Planting follows Craig’s established style: Acer trees, clipped topiary forms, ornamental grasses and perennial layers.
Reclaimed cobbles from the original front garden were repurposed within borders. Bark and gravel mulches reduce maintenance and retain moisture.
Corten steel planters manage subtle level changes without introducing heavy retaining walls. Cumbrian boulders add quiet structural interest.
The overall planting palette softens the terraces while maintaining clarity.
Outdoor Kitchen & Covered Terrace
The homeowners enjoy cooking outdoors throughout the year.
A bespoke brick-built outdoor kitchen was constructed with flamed silver-grey granite worktops, accommodating a Green Egg, plancha plate and pizza oven. Integrated electrics allow the space to function properly rather than symbolically.
A metal pergola with a louvred roof provides shelter and control in all seasons. Festoon lighting and a discreet heater extend usability into the evening.
The intention was practicality first — aesthetics second..
A Splash of Water
An Aquascape Spillway Bowl and Basin adds relaxing sound and movement easily seen between the two main terraces.
The Front Garden
The existing tarmac driveway was replaced with Bradstone Woburn Rumbled block paving in Autumn colour. The softer, weathered finish sits more comfortably alongside the house and surrounding properties.
Clay paver paths lead to a sawn sandstone bullnose step, passing through layered planting and a sweeping lawn. Subtle lighting enhances the approach in the evening.
The materials used at the front echo those in the rear, creating cohesion rather than contrast.
Concept Garden Design for Front Garden
The initial concept design for the driveway and clay paver path to the front door.
The Result
The completed garden feels structured yet relaxed.
Terraces are distinct but connected.
Movement is clear.
The outdoor kitchen is used throughout the year.
The driveway now complements rather than competes.
The design does not chase trends. It is intended to age quietly and comfortably alongside its owners.
Materials & Features
London Stone Natural Sandstone for Terraces – colour Raj Green
Tumbled Clay Pavers for Paths – colour Ruston
Bradstone Woburn Rumbled Block Paving for Driveway – Autumn
Aquascape Spillway Bowl & Basin
Bespoke Brick Built Kitchen with Flamed Silver Grey Granite Worktops
Corten Steel Planter
Collingwood Lighting
George Davies Turf
Each material was selected for longevity, restraint and compatibility with the house.
Their testimonial: “Craig and his team transformed both our front and back gardens, including a new driveway, extensive paving right around the house, a new patio, pergola, and all planting. It was a large project that took just over three months, and the experience from start to finish was excellent.
From the initial consultation, Craig really listened to how we wanted to use the space and what we didn’t like. He fully understood our brief and offered valuable design and style advice, often suggesting better approaches while always respecting our ideas. The final design fits perfectly with our house and the surrounding area, and is also low maintenance, which was important to us.
The design process was very impressive. Craig provided detailed 2D and 3D layouts, along with daytime and nighttime visualisations, which made it easy to picture the finished garden. He was open to feedback and his suggestions genuinely improved the overall result.
Throughout the build, Craig and his team were punctual, friendly, and professional. Despite the scale of the work, the site was always safe and well managed. They were happy to make small changes along the way and were always clear and transparent about costs. We felt the pricing was fair and offered great value for the quality of work delivered.
Even after completion, Craig has been happy to come back and make adjustments. He’s a genuinely nice, reliable guy who clearly takes pride in his work. Highly recommended for anyone looking for high-quality landscaping and thoughtful design. “
Ian - Shenley
This garden design and build project in Shenley, Hertfordshire reflects our approach to thoughtful, long-term landscaping.
If you are considering a garden redesign, outdoor kitchen installation or driveway upgrade in Shenley or the surrounding villages, we are always happy to begin with a conversation.