Adding Some Soul to a Garden
Northwood, Hertfordshire
The garden is currently under construction - take a look at our video updates below…
Every garden should have a story to tell.
Our clients in Northwood wanted ‘something’ as the existing terraces and garden lacked “something”, which we called soul!
The result is a contemporary garden that combines elegant porcelain terraces, bespoke timber craftsmanship, architectural planting and the calming sound of water to create an outdoor space full of atmosphere and life. Every feature has been carefully considered to connect the house with the garden while creating places to relax, entertain and simply enjoy being outside.
This project demonstrates how thoughtful garden design isn't simply about installing paving and plants—it's about creating a garden with soul.
The Challenge
At first glance, the garden already had many of the key ingredients in place. Two terraces, a central lawn and a backdrop of mature fir trees had established the overall structure of the space.
The challenge wasn't creating new areas—it was giving the existing ones purpose.
The lower terrace felt disconnected from the house and lacked a compelling reason to be used, while the overall garden felt quite hard and formal. Although practical, it was missing warmth, character and those little moments that encourage you to wander, stop and enjoy the space.
Our task was to transform a well-defined garden into one that felt welcoming, balanced and full of life.
Design Thinking
Rather than redesigning the entire layout, we focused on adding layers of interest that would soften the existing structure and encourage people to experience the whole garden.
Architectural planting was introduced to soften the terraces and blur the transition between paving and planting. Natural timber features added warmth and texture, while the movement and sound of water created a focal point that could be enjoyed from both levels of the garden.
Most importantly, we wanted the lower terrace to become a destination rather than simply somewhere you passed through. By creating an inviting seating area surrounded by lush planting and carefully positioned features, the garden naturally draws you down from the house, rewarding exploration and creating different places to relax throughout the day.
Sometimes the most successful garden designs aren't about changing everything—they're about recognising the potential that's already there and giving every part of the garden a purpose.
The Build Journey
Can A Garden Have a Soul?
Introduction to this Northwood garden transformation, and asking the question Can A Garden Have a Soul?
Creating Steps and Planter
This update isn't just about what's been built—it's about the thinking behind the design. Craig talking through the porcelain floating steps, the proportions that make them comfortable to use and inviting exploration between terraces. How it colour choices tie in with the pergola frames in the entertaining spaces, how the planting will soften the edges over time.
Planting, Boulders & A Big Water Feature
The project takes another big step towards becoming a finished garden.
The porcelain steps and planter have been grouted, the first phase of planting is complete, and we've installed one of Craig’s favourite features —a one-metre-wide Aquascape cascading bowl water feature..
Water brings movement, sound and atmosphere. Combined with carefully positioned boulders, large cobbles and structural planting, it begins to give the garden a real sense of character and calm. One highlight is the beautiful Acer 'Summer Gold', whose vibrant foliage creates a striking contrast against the darker backdrop, while the Ilex balls, Crocosmia and future planting of Salvia, ferns and Japanese anemones will continue to soften the contemporary lines as the garden matures. T
he aluminium pergola is complete with its privacy screens, creating another inviting outdoor room.