The phone call came on a Tuesday morning. A homeowner in Warwickshire was staring out at what they described as “an impossible garden” behind their newly built house. As we drove up to the property for our initial consultation, we could immediately see what they meant.
The plot sprawled before us with awkward angles cutting across the space like a geometric puzzle gone wrong. Multiple level changes created what looked more like a series of unusable slopes than a potential family garden. We knew this project would test every skill we’d developed over years of creating bespoke outdoor spaces across the Midlands.
Understanding the Challenge
Walking the garden with our clients, we identified the core issues that were preventing them from enjoying their outdoor space. The sheer size of the plot felt overwhelming rather than exciting. Sharp angles from the property’s architecture seemed to fight against any natural flow we might create. Most significantly, the dramatic level changes on the right-hand side made the space feel fractured and unsafe for their young family.
Standing by their conservatory, we noticed something crucial. The view from their main living space captured none of the garden’s potential beauty. Instead, it highlighted every problem area, every awkward transition, and every wasted corner.
Our clients shared their vision with us during that first meeting. They wanted an entertaining space that would flow seamlessly from their conservatory. A patio area where they could dine comfortably with extended family, somewhere their children could play safely, and a garden that would feel like a natural extension of their home rather than an afterthought.
Creating Our Design Solution
Back in our design studio, we wrestled with how to make this challenging space work. Traditional approaches would have fought against the property’s angles, creating more visual conflict. Instead, we decided to embrace what made this garden unique.
Our breakthrough came when we rotated our perspective by 45 degrees. By positioning the natural stone paving at this angle to the property, we could make those challenging architectural lines work in our favour. Suddenly, the angles that had seemed so problematic became part of a cohesive design language that flowed throughout the garden.
The level changes presented our next design challenge. Rather than seeing the dramatic drop on the right-hand side as a problem, we recognised it as an opportunity to create defined spaces within the garden. We planned a retaining wall that would not only solve the practical issues but also provide structure for our planting scheme.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Construction began with addressing the most critical structural elements. We built the retaining wall with careful attention to building regulations, maintaining that essential 15cm buffer from the boundary. This wasn’t just about compliance though. That buffer space became integral to our drainage strategy and future maintenance access.
Drainage proved just as crucial as we’d anticipated. We installed acco drains around the perimeter of the main paved area, creating an invisible network that would protect the space during heavy rainfall. The system feeds into a pipe that carries excess water to a soak-away crate positioned at the garden’s highest point.
Working with natural stone, we created flowing pathways that connected different areas of the garden. The artificial lawn, chosen specifically by our clients for its low maintenance qualities, was carefully integrated with the stone work to create seamless transitions between different surface materials.
Crafting the Perfect Entertaining Space
Understanding how our clients wanted to use their garden influenced every decision we made. The main patio needed to accommodate family dining with space for guests, so we ensured adequate width from the conservatory doors. Too many gardens we visit have patios that feel cramped because insufficient space was allocated for comfortable movement and furniture.
We positioned the primary entertaining area to catch maximum sunlight throughout the day. There’s nothing more frustrating than a beautifully designed patio that sits in shadow when you want to use it most. The orientation and size we chose allows for comfortable family seating with room for extended sun loungers when relaxation is the priority.
The garden design for this uneven garden space required us to create multiple levels of interest. While the main patio serves as the primary entertaining space, we also incorporated a feature patio deeper into the garden.
Adding the Finishing Touches
The spiral water feature became our focal point, positioned perfectly for viewing from the conservatory. This wasn’t just about aesthetics though. The gentle sound of moving water creates an audio backdrop that makes the space feel separate from neighbouring properties and nearby roads.
We surrounded the feature patio with established planting on all sides, creating what our clients now describe as their “secret garden room.” The sensation of being cocooned by plants and nature makes this space perfect for intimate conversations or quiet morning coffee.
Modern slat fencing conceals the boundary lines while maintaining the contemporary feel that suits the property’s architecture. The clean lines complement our angled stone work while providing privacy without creating a closed-in feeling.
Living in the Finished Garden
Months after completion, our Warwickshire clients tell us their garden has become the heart of their family life. The children play safely on the artificial lawn while parents prepare meals on the main patio. Evening entertaining flows naturally from conservatory to garden without the awkward transitions they’d experienced before.
The multiple seating areas serve different purposes throughout the day. Morning coffee happens by the water feature, family meals take place on the main patio, and evening conversations often migrate to the planted surrounds of the feature area.
Most importantly, the garden now feels proportionate to their property rather than overwhelming. Each area has purpose and character while contributing to the overall design narrative we created with those 45-degree angles.
Making Your Challenging Garden Work
Every garden presents unique opportunities disguised as problems. Slopes can become terraced features, awkward shapes can inspire creative design solutions, and challenging access can lead to innovative construction approaches.
The key lies in understanding how you want to live in your outdoor space. Whether you prioritise entertaining, relaxation, family play, or low maintenance living, the right design approach can accommodate your lifestyle while working with your garden’s natural characteristics.
We love working with challenging plots because they push us to create truly bespoke solutions. Your difficult garden could become your most distinctive feature with the right design vision and skilled implementation.
If you’re looking out at a garden that feels impossible, we’d love to show you the potential waiting to be unlocked. Sometimes the most challenging spaces become our most rewarding projects.