Synopsis
This is a garden designed by Nick and Doug from the Distinctive Gardener, whose clients wanted a family garden that was not only beautiful to look at, but also reflected their cultural ancestry. Islamic gardens embrace a number of their key elements from clean lines, and symmetry, sensory planting and the sound of running water, to the use of polished paving, decorative screening and tiling to name but a few.
Other requirements included areas to sit and reflect using trees to create shade, and creating paths that allow access through beautifully planted beds.
To create clean lines in the design, the paving, tiling and screen choices were key. Nick and Doug paired a smooth beige limestone with a blue and grey patterned tile that acts as both a decorative border and as a central focal point on the main terrace.
By choosing the right furniture, there is room on this terrace for both relaxed seating and formal dining. The decorative wall panels that run along the length of the terrace and right hand pathway complement the theme and are lit at night to great effect.
Plants and trees are a vital element in an Islamic garden. They need to appeal to the senses, both visual and sensory. Fragrance is in abundance all year round, with winter and summer flowering Daphne around the fountain, and sweet-smelling roses in the borders.
Aromatic foliage was also included, such as Santolina, Sage, and Salvia, which are planted under all of the trees in the main decorative beds.
The sound of gently running water is provided by the Moroccan fountain seen in the image below. This fountain forms a focal point in the left hand border and also when the visitor walks along the path on the right.
There are six evergreen trees within the design, which not only create dappled shade on sunny days, but also give the garden vital evergreen structure throughout the winter.
And the rear area is home to a large storage unit, and the family’s beloved and much-used table tennis table.
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