The Urban Sanctuary Garden
Designed by Emma Griffin Garden Design, this project transformed an overgrown and disconnected garden into a series of calm, beautifully proportioned outdoor spaces that are as suited to everyday family life as they are to entertaining. The brief was to create a contemporary garden with a softer, more natural character, using carefully selected materials and layered planting to bring structure and year-round interest.
The project included a complete rebuild of the hard landscaping, including new terraces and retaining walls, extensive planting, lighting, irrigation and a new outdoor entertaining space.
At the heart of the garden is a sequence of distinct but connected spaces. A generous Yorkstone terrace provides a relaxed seating area centred around a contemporary fire table, while a Renson Algarve pergola creates a sheltered outdoor dining space complete with an integrated barbecue area. Thoughtfully positioned pathways and changes in level gently lead visitors through the garden, allowing each space to reveal itself naturally.
The material palette combines handcrafted clay pavers, Yorkstone paving, reclaimed London stock brick and Corten steel detailing to create a timeless finish that feels both contemporary and established. Large statement planters, soft gravel areas and crisp steel edging provide contrast to the rich planting, while subtle details such as Yorkstone plank stepping stones set within creeping groundcover help soften the transition between spaces.
The planting scheme plays a central role in the finished garden. Layers of ornamental grasses, evergreen shrubs and small specimen trees introduce texture, movement and seasonal interest, while carefully positioned hedging enhances privacy and frames views throughout the garden. Mature boundary trees were retained, giving the garden an immediate sense of maturity and enclosure.
New retaining walls and raised terraces resolved changes in level, while integrated irrigation and lighting systems ensure the garden is easy to maintain and can be enjoyed long after the sun goes down. Every element was carefully coordinated to allow the planting and materials to work together as one cohesive landscape.
The completed garden is a peaceful retreat that feels generous and balances contemporary outdoor living with relaxed natural planting. The result is a space that sits comfortably within its surroundings and offers somewhere to entertain, unwind and enjoy throughout the changing seasons.
Share this project: