Walled Garden Design, Wallingford

Located in the charming South Oxfordshire town of Wallingford, this walled garden presented a unique opportunity for transformation. When approached by the client, the outdoor space was a blank canvas awaiting inspiration.

Front Garden Challenges

The existing driveway bisected the front garden, creating a disjointed layout. A small lawn occupied the space directly in front of the house, while the majority of the area—three-quarters of it—was dominated by a large expanse of grass away from the property. The result was an uninspiring and underutilized front garden.

Back Garden Potential

In the rear garden, an old Yorkstone terrace had been installed near the kitchen, but its scale felt disproportionate to the size of the house and garden. Scattered around the site were pockets of Yorkstone paving slabs and paddle stones, remnants of the garden’s former layout. Beyond these features, the rest of the back garden was laid to lawn, offering a blank slate for creative redesign.

Front Garden Transformation: A Showcase of Balance and Beauty

In this Wallingford garden design project, the clients’ clear vision guided a stunning transformation of the front garden. A central goal was to rebalance the space, starting with rerouting the driveway to create a more harmonious layout.

Wildflower Meadow and Formal Lawn

A wildflower meadow was a key feature of the design brief. After repositioning the driveway, three-quarters of the green space was seeded as a vibrant meadow, adding biodiversity and seasonal interest. The remaining area was converted into a croquet lawn, providing an elegant, formal foreground to the house.

Elegant Planting Design

To enhance the garden’s formal aesthetic, Copper Beech topiary was planted along the house’s facade. This was complemented by a restrained planting palette of Hydrangea quercifolia and Galium odoratum, offering year-round structure and subtle charm.

Orchard Adaptations and Autumn Splendor

An orchard was initially planned throughout the meadow, but the discovery of honey fungus in the soil required a shift in approach. Susceptible fruit trees were replaced with resilient species, including Stewartia, Cotinus, and Cornus kousa. This adjustment created a dynamic planting scheme with contrasting forms, textures, and a spectacular display of autumn color.

The Result

The front garden now combines ecological diversity with a formal structure, achieving a balance between natural beauty and refined design. It exemplifies how thoughtful garden landscaping can overcome challenges and create a functional, stunning outdoor space.

Back Garden Transformation: Functional Elegance in Wallingford

The back garden of this Wallingford property was transformed into a multi-functional outdoor space, blending practicality with stunning design. The brief included several key elements: a larger dining terrace, extensive planting near the house, a vegetable garden, and a spacious lawn for ballgames.

Expanded Dining Terrace and Sculptural Detail

The reclaimed Yorkstone from the original garden was repurposed to extend the existing terrace, creating a generous dining area that complements the scale of the house. To add a touch of artistry, paddle stones were used to craft a delicate circular feature framing a sculpture cherished by the clients. This understated detail adds character and ties the design together.

Pathways and Functional Surfaces

Self-binding gravel was chosen for its durability and attractive appearance, forming a cohesive surface throughout the vegetable garden and along a winding path leading to the utility room. The pathway was flanked with lush, shade-tolerant plants like Persicaria, Shuttlecock Fern, and Chocolate Vine, creating a soft, inviting edge.

Spacious Games Lawn and Textural Planting

A large lawn was established as a dedicated area for ballgames, framed by Beech hedging and pleached Hornbeam for structure and privacy. A groundcover of Japanese Fountain Grass adds a flowing texture, enhancing the visual appeal while maintaining a football-friendly planting scheme.

Dynamic Planting Design

Near the house, an extensive planting scheme was implemented to soften the space and add seasonal interest. The combination of bold textures and layered greenery creates a harmonious transition between functional areas and the natural beauty of the garden.

The Result

The back garden now seamlessly balances functionality with aesthetic charm. From sociable dining spaces to playful lawns and verdant planting, this redesign showcases the potential of thoughtful garden design to create a versatile, visually striking outdoor retreat.