DULWICH WOOD AVENUE FRONT

Bridging the levels

Landscaping a large level-changing garden

THE DESIGN

Level changes – unwanted ones – were the main challenge here. My solution was to bridge the gap between levels and, in so doing, create a walkway over a flowing dry riverbed. 


Concentrating screening shrubs around the street and neighbours’ boundaries, the theme flowed from left to right from the house. 


A Corten steel bridged the gap and its structure was echoed in retaining wall details and other sculptural features throughout the garden.

PLANTING

Plants with grey and silver or blue foliage and white, blue or purple flowers to accentuate the dry riverbed theme. 


Tall grasses and long-stemmed bulbs like Alliums for watery movement along the gravel and cobbles of the riverbed. 


Specimen shrubs, to create a strong backdrop to the main garden. 

STRUCTURES

Corten steel, plain finished bridge that appeared light, floating, almost gravity defying. 


Oak posts to emphasise where the bridge’s steps began or ended.


Oak sleepers, flowing in curves, used for level changes across the site.


A gravel riverbed created in Cotswold stone. Large cobbles made up the ‘river’ and Cotswold boulders punctuated its flow.

Share by: