St Georges Hill Garden, Surrey

This 3-acre garden has been extensively redeveloped over time to create a highly bespoke space. A mix of formal and relaxed spaces support relaxation, contemplation and socialising, with planting, water and materials combining to create a sensory, experiential garden.

Form is strongly accented, with linear hedges of Portuguese laurel and planted borders used to delineate spaces close to the house. Pale natural stone frames a new contemporary pool, terrace and areas for entertaining, and contrasts with a wide border billowing with tall grasses and perennials.

Two reflective pools break the border and frame wide steps down to a new plateau of formal lawn. Planting and hedges flow downhill through meadow areas and past a belt of birch trees and spring flowering bulbs. Behind is a cool and shady woodland path which slopes down to a timber entertaining deck alongside a small lake. Bog planting creates an architectural backdrop to this terrace and secret garden.