Triangular Nook, York

The clients of this suburban garden owned a challenging corner of their garden that was unused and left largely to its own devices by the previous owners. What was once a sunken terrace or seating area was no longer desirable, and was to be replaced by an outdoor office and adjoining bike shed. The site had been gradually overcome by weeds and was in great need of some design diligence.

Inspired by the great Tom Stuart-Smith’s work at the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield, a new layout was created from straight pathways joined by curved intersections, to form loose geometric planting areas. Clay pavers were used at thresholds and for the dining patio, with poured concrete used to form the curves in the paths.

Bordered by tall privet and beech hedging on two sides, planting was required to tolerate shade in most areas, whilst still delivering colour, and year-round interest. One plant was retained from its previous life, a statuesque Cordyline australis standing at around 2.5m tall. The form of this plant was repeated with the introduction of an Astelia ‘Silver Spear’, which alongside the Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Queen’ continued an Australasian theme of planting. Ferns and evergreen shrubs give some year round permanence whilst Hylotelephium and Salvia give some seasonal joy. The blues of these plants are punctuated by Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ in the summer.