Things take shape at the sunken garden in Reading

07/08/2018 ALDA in Action

Following on from last month’s blog, it’s time to share with you our progress and new developments at the sunken garden in Reading… all the hard (& hot) work has definitely paid off!

Wood effect porcelain paving tiles

Porcelain tiles in the ‘Arena Holz Marrone’ colour choice have now been laid on the concrete base of the sunken garden. The warm tones and markings of the wood effect tiles contrast nicely with the sunken garden’s grey walls, as well as tying in with the contemporary look of this outside room.

We have finished landscaping the main patio area

An impressive patio has been constructed along the back of the house, incorporating a wide series of steps leading up to the house, either side of which sit two terraced planting beds.

We have used 900 x 600mm cream porcelain tiles for the paving in ‘Perla Beige’, also cladding the steps with the tiles to give a seamless look. The planting beds were constructed from 9” concrete blocks which were then rendered and painted cream to tie in with the colour of the porcelain tiles.

An impressive patio area has been installed using cream porcelain tiles in ‘Perla Beige’ including two terraced planting beds either side of a series of wide steps.

Installation of a lighting scheme

The installation of subtle LED lights inserted along the inside walls of the steps and the top wall of the main patio show just how crucial attention to detail is in a design & construction project like this. As more of us are viewing our gardens with the potential to be outside rooms, it is important to get the lighting right, enabling the space to be used right into the evening.

Small LED lights have been fitted into the inner walls of the steps and along the patio walls.

We have used ACO brickslot drain channels

In keeping with the modern look of the garden – and almost invisible to the eye – we have installed ACO brickslot drain channels along the edges of the patio. The patio is level left to right and falls away from the house so it was important to provide a drainage system so that water doesn’t collect, putting pressure on the walls of the planting beds.

A close up view of the ACO brickslot drain channels almost invisible to the eye.

Finishing touches

Our client’s choice of the modern grey sofa seat, together with some chic lime green and aubergine cushions, provides the finishing touch to the sunken garden (minus the planting of course!) and creates a perfect space to chill out.

The sunken garden is now the modern outside space our client dreaming of – the new grey sofa ties in nicely and provides a perfect space to chill out.

What’s left to do?

A new lawn for one thing – but the unusually hot and dry weather we’ve been experiencing over the last few weeks has meant that it has not been possible. This is a shame, as a new lawn will provide an injection of colour – an important finishing touch in a garden of this size. Hopefully this will happen in September when cooler conditions should return.

The final step to the garden’s completion will be Alison’s new planting design, which will bring the cream planting beds to life! Look out for an updated photo of this and the new lawn which will appear on our blog in due course.

Still to do – a new lawn and planting will complete the transformation!

For more information on the porcelain tiles used in this garden please contact Nigel Belcher Turf, our supplier, on 01635 202700.

Like what you see?

From planning a new border to a complete garden remodel, we pride ourselves on transforming ideas into beautiful reality, with minimum disruption. If you’re based in or around the Reading and Newbury area, we’d love to meet and discuss your project in detail – book your free no-obligation garden consultation today. We do get pretty booked up, particularly during the Spring, so plan ahead if possible!