MEDITERRANEAN SANCTUARY GARDEN
South London
This garden blends the warmth and texture of a Mediterranean landscape with the tranquillity of a private sanctuary. Featuring open, sunny spaces and a shady seating area cocooned by trees, the design takes full advantage of the site’s south-facing orientation and the mild London microclimate.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability drives the design. Existing on-site concrete has been repurposed as planting substrate, creating the free-draining conditions ideal for Mediterranean herbs like lavender and rosemary. This approach not only reduces waste and carbon footprint but also anchors the garden in its site’s history.
Similarly, rockery stones have been reused to enhance the rocky Mediterranean aesthetic, complementing sandstone paving at the garden’s entrance and exit. These paving areas act as functional “landing pads” connecting the terrace and shed. A meandering gravel path winds through the garden, inviting exploration and leading to a secluded seating area. New trees provide both privacy and a sense of seclusion, while woven hazel screening along the lower fencing adds texture and reinforces the garden's subtle "kitchen garden" charm. Cloaking the fencing in climbers further enhances the feeling of being immersed in greenery.
Fostering biodiversity
A key goal of the design is to create a rich tapestry of habitats to support wildlife. By incorporating varied landscape types—including Mediterranean, woodland, and water elements—the garden becomes a mosaic of environments, each catering to different species. Pollinator-friendly Mediterranean plants, along with ornamental grasses, provide nectar, shelter, and nesting materials, while winter textures, berries, and seedheads sustain wildlife through the colder months.
The garden offers year-round interest: summer blooms and fragrances give way to winter’s structural beauty, ensuring an ever-changing yet harmonious sanctuary for both people and wildlife.