Urban Family Garden, Berkshire

A granite terrace with black limestone detailing leads to steps up to the garden. This site slopes upwards from the house, so the planting has been kept low to open up a sense of space.

The long garden is divided into ‘rooms’ – from the dining terrace to the lawn, a stepping stone path, and a more secluded pebbled area. The ‘secret’ garden is concealed behind a cedar screen and leads to the Rooms Outdoor studio. Colourful stools, cubes that light up with different colours, and a ‘spying’ window create a playful place for younger members of the family. The stunning Japanese maple turns fiery red in the autumn and also serves a useful purpose concealing the side path. Planting is modern, soft and airy with splashes of colour.