In a rare setting for London, this garden backs onto the last remnants of ancient woodland in South East London. The garden ends in a sheer drop into the woodland which stands as a surprising, but delightful reminder of what existed before we inhabited the land.
Defined by flowing, curvilinear shapes, the garden invites a visitor to venture down a meandering path towards the woods that lie beyond. The boundaries were kept indistinct to allow the woodland to become a part of the garden. The curved shapes wrap around each other forming a striking pattern when viewed from the top floor of the house.
The planting is a tapestry of evergreens and perennials with annuals and bulbs dotted between these. A tall bamboo grove at the bottom of the garden creates a transition into the woodland. A gunnera introduces an element of wilderness and surprise. Two columnar prunus trees and an acer help to settle the garden into its woodland surroundings. Plenty of insect-friendly plants draw bees and other wildlife into the garden.