Real garden: an ever-evolving garden redesign

Sue and David Taylor took their time to create a formal-meets-exotic garden space with year-round interest

David and Sue discovered they both really enjoyed gardening when they moved into their home in 1996, but the trees that were there when the family moved in have grown considerably over the years. ‘We bought three cordyline trees for £5 from a car boot sale,’ recalls Sue. At the time they fitted into a carrier bag, but now they stand 20 feet tall and tower over the garden, whilst Box honeysuckle and euonymus make neat borders, with an array of blooms for year-round colour.

The couple’s garden won a prize at Kingston in Bloom in 2014 – its curved, clipped hedges creating structure, while painted furniture and decorative lanterns, along with the planting, give it a relaxed, country feel.

See more of this garden, then browse more real home transformations and find out how to plan, design and cost your garden transformation.

garden redesign with gravel and a mix of relaxed and formal planting

Bi-fold doors from Berrylands Windows open out to give an uninterrupted view of the garden. Metalwork tables and chairs offer entertaining options and can easily be moved to a sunny or shady spot

tiered decking with space for garden potted plants

The decking, which is on two levels, creates additional space for pots and outdoor seating

a red log cabin surrounded by garden bushes on a deck

The log cabin is the ideal place for sons James and Sammy to spend time with their friends. The planting at the back of the garden is more established, with tall trees creating light and shade

a tropical style walkway in a traditional garden

Brickwork and gravel have been used to create interest and texture, and to help define areas. The crazy paving came from the original patio

circular gravel path in the center of the garden

relaxed seating area in the garden

The garden features three seating areas, ranging from this casual table and chairs, to the two more formal alfresco dining areas

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