Is there anything more satisfying than a successful transformation? We take a look at how Outdoor Creations solved the problem of a small sloping garden in south-west London.

Bust on plinth in corner of fenced garden with wood-topped table and slate paving.
Three levels have been used in this small sloping garden, rising from the dining area to the relaxation area at the end. Design by Outdoor Creations.

The client’s brief

The client, a busy company director, wanted somewhere she could relax without needing to do a lot of work.

The garden pre-transformation

When Kevin Peachman and team arrived from their Battersea headquarters, they found a very neglected patch.  It was so overgrown, you couldn't see the other end. It certainly wasn't a place you wanted to spend time in.

Narrow, gravelled garden sloping up to far end, ivy on all fences
Before Outdoor Creations started their transformation. Gravel had been used to cope with the slope and fences were very overgrown.

The design challenge

The immediate design challenge was, of course, the shape of the plot. It was small and narrow. There are plenty of ideas for small town gardens, but this one needed to encompass the added complication of being on a slope.

A design solution for a small sloping garden

As so often happens, a difficulty turned into a bonus. The sloping site was divided into three different levels. These subtly zone the space into a utility area, a space to sit and eat and, at the far end, somewhere to lounge and relax completely. Once the climbers have become established, the relaxation area will have a cool, green, calming leafiness.

There's quite a classical feel. This is often a good choice for a small space because it can be evoked with a few well-chosen features. Here, you have topiary, the bust and the strong balance between the lines running down the garden and across, echoed in the chequerboard – or stack bond -  paving pattern.

Black slate paving and chipping seen beyond wooden tabletop, with step up to next level of small sloping garden.
A view across the table top to the end of the garden, showing how Outdoor Creations included steps to transform the slope.

The bust has a cunning dual purpose. Not only does it act as an eye-catcher at garden level, but from the windows above at the back of the house it creates a focal point, drawing the attention down and away from the busy mêlée of surrounding back gardens.

Choice of paving

Blue Black Slate probably isn't the first paving you'd associate with a classical theme, but that's why we think this is so clever. It adds a modern twist. This would work every bit as well with Brazilian Black slate, which we now supply. 

Black slate paving and chippings with slatted wood fende and bench table.
Blue-black slate makes a strong contrast with the rich colour of the fence, step and table in this design by Outdoor Creations.

Slate's consistent colouring makes a great backdrop to the more structural planting, while its dark-grey hue sets off the different greens of lavender, box and olive. The client also particularly liked the contrast between the paving and the rich colouring of the meranti panels, which has been carefully continued in the choice of furniture. Find out more about when dark paving is a good choice for a garden.

A small sloping garden may be a challenge, but Outdoor Creations have shown it's one worth rising to. But what about something considerably bigger? Discover a design for a large sloping garden.