Graduate Gardeners: The Sunken Retreat

The Sunken Retreat has been designed for a couple with mature children, in which to relax and entertain their friends and family.

The design offers a place to sit and enjoy the morning sun as well as an enclosed sunken seating area for evening use. Surrounded by trees and shade/semi-shade planting, the L-shaped bench also provides storage for firewood used in the Corten Steel fire pit.

The Corylus colurna trees create a canopy of privacy, while their bark complements the steel tones in the garden. Sawn York stone paving and compacted gravel are used throughout the garden to contrast with the planting and maintain a contemporary feel. The water features create reflection and sound, while the yew hedges and steel decorative panels create a backdrop to the planting.