This early woodland glade, backed by a large, black-stained, log cabin, would have been a successful garden in itself. However, as the road continues, space opens up. Large limestone slabs slow the pace, and a small seating area with crisply rendered blockwork benches and an outdoor cooking zone encourages you to linger. Next to the cabin, there is a dining table under a cedar wood pergola, with a view of part of the previously hidden garden. While the upper garden is beautifully treated and offers year-round interest, this front section hints at a wilder aesthetic.
A former lawn has become a space for Lulu to experiment with perennial planting combinations and color palettes. This leads to raised vegetable beds and fruit trees – a particular passion for Marcus, an avid cook, who plans each bed to provide produce throughout the year. Many of the plants in this part of the garden have been grown from seed or left over from Lulu’s design projects. At the end of the garden is Markus’ studio, which he built himself from corrugated cement boards: reminiscent of rural agricultural buildings, it is low to fit the space.
As an individual project rather than a client commission, this enabled Lulu to let ideas evolve slowly and enjoy the tweaking process. The next goal is to introduce some water feature, for the family’s own enjoyment and to encourage wildlife in the garden. As time and space permit, this leafy haven has truly become a place of constant connection and growth.
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