PROJECT

Wychwood garden retreat – Winner CPA 2023-2023 Residential Gardens

DESIGN

Matthew Childs Design

CONTRACTOR

Belderbos Landsapes

CLAY PAVER

SeptimA Olive

half bond

Photography: © Alister Thorpe

After a decade in their newly built home, the residents found their garden lacking both aesthetic appeal and functional versatility. Recognizing the potential for a beautiful and functional outdoor area, the clients sought a complete transformation that would align with their lifestyle. Matthew Childs Garden Design said yes to the challenge and guided the transformation with their “Gardens are for People” philosophy, creating a beautiful green garden retreat. Successfully completing this challenge, this project won the 2022-2023 Clay Paver Award in the category of Residential gardens.

Creating “a garden for people” while overcoming functional and design challenges

Initially implemented by the developer, the garden featured a central lawn, standard shrub borders, fencing, and a small, impractical patio. While these elements were serviceable, they didn't inspire enjoyment or daily use of the outdoor space. The goal was to craft a space that not only fulfilled the clients’ wish list but also enhanced their quality of life. Their vision for the space included: a garden room for exercise, a dining terrace with outdoor grill, a pergola for shade, a hot tub for relaxation, a firepit for social gatherings and a year-round colour scheme with natural materials and diverse planting.

A difficult exercise combining all these functionalities in one whole, but a challenge that the designer was happy to take. “Our design approach was to draw on the idea that ‘Gardens are for People’ and design a garden that included as many of our client’s functional requirements as possible. It was important to give our clients reasons to use and enjoy their garden once again”, Matthew Childs ads.  

A major challenge was managing multiple drainage chambers throughout the garden, which collected runoff from neighboring properties. The solution involved adding extra drainage and reconfiguring the layout to hide these chamber covers seamlessly. To create a sense of flow and accessibility, boardwalk decks were incorporated to connect the different zones, replacing the central lawn with gravel-style planting and multi-stemmed Rhus for added structure. This layout encourages movement and provides unobstructed views of lush greenery from every angle.

The use of clay pavers as an aesthetic and durable choice

One of the central areas in the clients vision was the dining area. Adjacent to the house, this area needed both an aesthetic and functional paving. The clay paver SeptimA Olive was consciously chosen for its aesthetic appeal with its natural olive green colour variation, perfectly blending into the greenery of the garden. Their natural colors and textures soften the contemporary design and blend harmoniously with the diverse planting, giving the garden a welcoming, lived-in feel that resonates with the clients' desire for a natural ambiance. Over time, these clay pavers develop a natural patina that adds character and charm, enhancing the garden’s aesthetic appeal as it matures.

Vande Moortel’s clay pavers not only bring a refined, timeless look to the garden, but also address practical concerns such as excellent water permeability. Unlike traditional, non-permeable paving materials, clay pavers have the natural ability to manage rainwater if they are combined with the right joint filling, making them a valuable choice for both sustainability and functionality. Water permeability was a critical consideration for this garden due to the underlying drainage issues. Permeable surfaces like Vande Moortel’s clay pavers allow rainwater to filter through and re-enter the soil, in combination with a water permeable joint filling, which helps prevent flooding and reduces the need for artificial drainage systems. This eco-friendly feature not only addresses potential water accumulation but also supports healthier soil and plant growth. As a result, the garden becomes more resilient to heavy rainfall, and the risk of standing water is minimized.

Bringing the design together with nature

To foster year-round interest, the planting was meticulously chosen for diversity and environmental benefit. Pollinator-friendly plants were incorporated to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Stepping stones, gravel paths, and a water feature add layers of interest, while sliced boulders strategically placed around the garden offer unique seating and vantage points for enjoying the surrounding greenery.

A garden that lives up to its potential

The completed garden is a harmonious blend of style, function, and sustainability. With the inclusion of the SeptimA Olive clay pavers, the space is not only visually compelling but also equipped to manage water naturally, ensuring longevity and resilience. The clients now have an outdoor sanctuary that’s ready to be enjoyed in all seasons, offering a fulfilling space to relax, entertain, and reconnect with nature.