Garden Designer in Tooting
DESIGNED BY LILLY-JOAN RICHARDSON AND CONSTRUCTED BY THE GARDEN BUILDERS.
This beautifully re-imagined garden transforms an open, overlooked space into a sophisticated and secluded outdoor retreat, designed for relaxation, dining and year-round enjoyment. From the kitchen door, the lower terrace catches the morning sun and immediately sets the tone: calm, refined and welcoming. Slim cedar trellis panels and a large outdoor mirror framed by lantern-style lights help define this intimate zone. Three sculptural stone planters hold soft grasses, while comfortable seating encourages lingering and quiet morning moments.
Tooting Garden Retreat Design
OUTDOOR RETREAT GARDEN DESIGN TOOTING.
A series of concrete steps rises naturally through layers of planting, guiding you upward without dominating the view. Evergreen hedging and clipped yew domes provide structure and elegant formality, contrasted with herbaceous plants offering seasonal colour, movement and softness. A sculptural multi-stem tree introduces vertical rhythm while providing gentle screening.
At the upper level, the garden transitions seamlessly into an outdoor kitchen and dining space. Ceramic paving and modern cobbles establish a contemporary platform for entertaining. The outdoor kitchen sits beneath a bespoke metal pergola, enclosed by evergreen hedging for privacy and creating an intimate cooking area. A generously sized dining table is positioned opposite, surrounded by structured green planting.
Family Garden Designer Tooting
OUTDOOR RETREAT DESIGNER TOOTING.
Beyond this, a gap in the hedging reveals a small lawn and a tucked-away seating nook nestled between two multi-stem trees. Pale gravel, grasses and soft foliage create a quiet, almost woodland atmosphere against Steel screening panels with a hot zinc sprayed coating. Further along, a bespoke timber pergola shelters a lounge area that enjoys the afternoon sun. A freestanding fireplace set within a feature wall turns this spot into a destination for evening gatherings, warmth and ambience. Climbers such as wisteria and evergreen jasmine wrap the pergola posts, bringing fragrance and softness.
The existing mature trees along the back boundary were incorporated into the design for instant height and privacy.
Planting Designer Tooting
GARDEN DESIGNER OUTDOOR KITCHEN TOOTING.
Material use is restrained yet expressive: light grey ceramics, cobbles, concrete landings, weathered steel and natural timber all work in harmony with the lush planting. At night, carefully positioned garden lighting reveals the garden’s architecture anew. Subtle illumination across hedging, tree forms and steps create a dramatic but soothing after-dark garden atmosphere, extending usability well beyond twilight.
Every design decision from the layered seating areas to the softly ascending steps and the interplay of evergreen form with seasonal planting has been made to evoke a sense of journey, discovery and serenity. The result is a garden that not only looks beautiful but invites you to go outside and live in it, from sunrise through evening light.
