\u00a9 Richard Bloom<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nColm\u2019s practice is based on the Cambridgeshire-Suffolk border, and he\u2019s been designing classy, considered yet usable spaces for the past five years. \u201cI was in international development before I retrained as a garden designer \u2013 I wanted to do something more creative and stop travelling as much,\u201d he explains. This garden \u2013 measuring just eight metres by six metres \u2013 is a clear statement of creativity. Engaged by the previous owners in 2020 towards the end of a substantial architectural renovation by of a Victorian villa in central Cambridge, Colm\u2019s task was to bring cohesion to a space dominated by PiP Architecture\u2019s bold architectural extension. In addition to a new kitchen there is a corridor that runs the full length of the garden leading to a home office, and these structures feature an array of materials from clay Petersen Kolumba bricks and Corten steel<\/a>, to floor-to-ceiling glass, polished concrete and zinc. This was no ordinary space, and no ordinary sm\u00f6rg\u00e5sbord of materials. \u201cI was excited about dealing with a bold material palette,\u201d says Colm. \u201cBut I needed to bring cohesion and harmony.<\/p>\n

\u00a0In brief<\/strong> What<\/strong> Small courtyard garden, bordered by buildings on three sides, that makes clever use of hard landscaping materials. Where<\/strong> Cambridge. Size<\/strong> 8m x 6m. Soil<\/strong> Imported topsoil from HortLoam. Climate<\/strong> Southeast-facing garden in one of the warmest and driest parts of the UK. Hardiness zone<\/strong> USDA 8.<\/p>\n
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$\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> \u00a9 Richard Bloom<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nOccupying the corner between the office studio<\/a> and the long, green-roofed corridor that links it to the house, the bespoke table and benches create a shady<\/a> and private seating area<\/a>. The crab apple tree<\/a> adds further screening and dappled shade.<\/p>\n
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\u00a9 Richard Bloom<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nIn this small courtyard garden, buildings fill three of the four boundaries. To introduce some green into the space, Colm has covered the only boundary not defined by a building with pleached panels of beech (Fagus sylvatica<\/em>), and sited a multi-stem Malus<\/em><\/a> \u2018Rudolph\u2019 in the heart of the garden to connect it to the house.<\/p>\n
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$\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> \u00a9 Richard Bloom<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nThe bespoke Corten steel<\/a> water feature brings calm and helps to cool the garden in warmer weather. A series of Corten steel fins set within the pool link the trio of gently flowing cascades to the kitchen\u2019s vertical louvres and echo the clay bricks used as cladding for the office studio and corridor.<\/p>\n
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\u00a9 Richard Bloom<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\n
By placing the main planting and water feature directly outside the kitchen extension, Colm has softened this striking, zinc-clad structure. Beyond, the elongated horizontal lines of the concrete furniture and paving harmonise with the geometry of the office studio.<\/p>\n
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\u00a9 Richard Bloom<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\n
Poured concrete, which has been used internally for flooring, is extended out into the garden where it is softened by creeping Pratia angulata<\/em> \u2018Treadwellii\u2019. The garden table and benches are also cast in situ from poured concrete to a bespoke design by Colm.<\/p>\n
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\u00a9 Richard Bloom<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\n
The multi-stem Malus<\/em> \u2018Rudolph\u2019 provides height and seasonal interest. Underplanted with a mix of evergreens, such as Blechnum spicant<\/em>, and flowering plants that begin with a series of bulbs and continue with the likes of Geranium<\/em> \u2018Nimbus\u2019 and Eurybia macrophylla<\/em> \u2018Twilight\u2019, it ensures there is always something of interest to look out on.<\/p>\n
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Key techniques Colm uses to make small gardens feel more immersive and inviting<\/strong><\/p>\n
Simplify and unify the boundaries. Unless existing boundaries have inherent beauty or character, such as an old wall, I like to screen<\/a> and green them. Hedging<\/a> or climbing plants<\/a> conceal boundaries, allowing your eye to rest within the space. Disguising boundaries also helps the garden feel larger. Stick to a pared-back, restrained palette of hard materials to create harmony. I usually keep to two, or maximum three, different hard-landscaping materials repeated throughout.<\/p>\n
If it makes sense, consider repeating materials used in the architecture or interior. Avoid the mistake of pushing everything to the perimeters, leaving internal areas feeling empty. Whether it\u2019s a small tree<\/a>, tall planting, built or sculptural elements, introducing some mass helps partially conceal, reveal and frame views, adding a greater sense of depth to the space.<\/p>\n
Introduce natural elements to soften hard materials, bringing these natural elements close to windows and the house-to-garden transition areas. This helps give the garden an immersive feel and integrates the interior and exterior. Pay careful attention to screening for privacy, to ensure you feel comfortable using the garden.<\/p>\n
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Find out more about Colm\u2019s work at colmjoseph.co.uk<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
This was a shortened version of the full feature which appeared in September\u2019s Gardens Illustrated<\/em>. Subscribe here<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/body><\/html>\n
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