Garden Design
Garden Design in Colchester, Essex
Location: Colchester, Essex
A contemporary garden that brings together modern materials, warm textures and vibrant planting. Designed in close collaboration with the client, this space combines porcelain paving, timber detailing and thoughtful layout to create a calm, inviting garden for everyday living.
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Overview
This Colchester garden began as a highly collaborative project. Inspired by a show garden they had recently visited, the clients came to us with clear ideas, a strong preference for certain materials and a vision for a garden that felt both contemporary and warm.
The existing brick wall and newly built extension provided a striking backdrop — a blend of traditional and modern architecture. The aim was to create a garden that responded to this context and connected naturally with the home, while making the most of every part of the outdoor space.
- Client-led material palette woven into the final design.
- Porcelain paving with timber-effect detailing.
- Raised corner seating area with sheltered microclimate.
- Borrowed views over a neighbouring orchard.
Materials & structure
The design balances clean, modern lines with natural texture. Porcelain paving, timber-effect cladding and contemporary fencing create a unified, refined look that feels warm and inviting. Integrated lighting reinforces the structure of the design and transforms the garden into an atmospheric space after dark.
The client had already selected the main materials and contributed to the planting palette. We developed the layout so these choices felt cohesive, intentional and beautifully integrated.
Seating, views & flow
A raised corner seating area — framed by the brick wall and new fencing — forms a sheltered, intimate nook that stays warm and protected. From here, views extend across the planting and out towards the neighbouring orchard, giving the garden a sense of depth and borrowed landscape.
Planting softens the terrace edges, creating immersion in greenery. Routes through the garden remain flexible — a gentle curved path or a direct walk across the lawn — ensuring the space feels easy and welcoming in all seasons.
Connection between house & garden
The dining terrace sits just outside the kitchen, connected via staggered porcelain paving with herbs and planting pockets woven alongside. These breaks in the paving soften transitions and anchor the terrace into the wider garden.
Designed for everyday living, this Colchester garden makes full use of its footprint, offering a sequence of spaces to sit, dine and enjoy throughout the year.
Everyday use & seasonal change
As planting matures, this garden will develop increasing depth and softness — from fresh spring growth through to warm autumn tones. A mix of shrubs, perennials and grasses ensures structure through winter and movement throughout the year.
This Colchester garden design shows how thoughtful material selection, careful layout and a collaborative approach can transform a modest space into a calm, contemporary garden that feels deeply connected to both home and landscape.
Gallery
Spaces within the Colchester garden
A selection of views showing the porcelain terraces, raised seating corner, planting and the seamless connection between house and garden.
Like this garden in Colchester?
If you’re planning a new garden or redesign in Colchester or the surrounding area, we’d love to talk about how we can create a space that reflects your ideas and the way you live.
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