Camberwell Grove

Subtle interventions to a semi-wild back garden creates structure and variety

The brief for this project in the Camberwell Grove Conservation Area, was to create a considered transition between the house and the semi-wild back garden. The clients wanted to improve the planting, without creating anything too manicured. The answer was to reconfigure and add to the existing York stone paving, to create a 'buffer' to the wild part of the garden, then add cultivated versions of plants you might find in the countryside: scabious, grasses, cow parsley, ferns and cranesbill.  Near the path,  a herb garden was created with a rambling rose to add to the bucolic atmosphere.

' "Bees and "naturalistic" were the only words we gave Ruth. But then we added "the clothes-line stays" and "keep the ugly plants at the front for privacy". She was very patient with us and put it all in her design.


Ruth worked hard. She tested the soil, bought pots & healthy plants, got quotes from suppliers to lay York stone. She drew plans, budgeted, scheduled everything. And was good fun to have around. 


Two months later, we're sitting outside every evening watching bees on flowers. Choose Ruth and like us, you'll get a perfectly managed project and a garden that feels like it's yours.'


Jo and Jan, Camberwell

The front garden was rejuvenated with plants able to thrive in the dappled shade created by large London plane trees. Existing mature shrubs were kept for privacy to the basement kitchen. Luzula, geraniums, ferns and hellebores were added. The clients explained that sometimes elderly passers-by sat on the wall for a rest, so sweet box was added for scent.