What to do with this plot

Liz Warner

I’m now in a position to work on this bed at the end of the garden. The soils ok. I’d love to have an area for me to hide and sit (probably won’t ever happen in real life!). I’d love a pergola and swing chair in the middle, maybe a small child friendly nature pond or water feature, lots of plants like hydrangeas, pittosporum, bulbs, nemasia, lavender, lupin, verbena. Anyone got any ideas or even pictures of something similar in their garden? 

Liz Warner

Anyone please?

Dovefromabove

What are the measurements?  I know photos can be deceptive but it doesn't really look big enough for all those things ... 

AnniD

Also Liz, which way does it face ? Does it get much sun ?

Liz Warner

I’m really bad with measurements but maybe 5m by 3m. The garage is to the east of it and the large tree to the west but because of its position it gets sun most of the day

AnniD

If it's sunny, then lavender would do well if you have good drainage. That would give you scent. If you can get measurements for the pergola and seat and mark that out, that will then give you some idea of how much planting space you have to work with. I assume you'd have a paving stone or two to make a route to the seat as well?

Lizzie27

It doesn't look as though you'd get much privacy from the playing field, it may also be a bit exposed and windy? You could think about a good strong arbour facing your way, with climbers over it which would help, maybe a climbing rose and/or an evergreen honeysuckle. Fill in the space with other scented shrubs and perennials around it.

AnniD

Lizzie is right about the privacy angle, as it also seems to be raised up. I assume you'd have your back to he field and facing your garden, my first thought was a seating area such as that at Barnsdale, Geoff Hamilton's garden. I think there are a couple of gardens there with sheltered seating. A search on Google may bring something up.   

Liz Warner

Privacy isn’t an issue. It’s a field owned by a private school and this end is rarely used and when it is it’s during schools hours when I’m at work. I shall google Geoff’s garden. Thanks. 

AnniD

No worries, hope it's of some use.   

Lizzie27

That's good news Liz. Looking back to your initial post, you mentioned a pergola which would also look well, especially with climbers on it. I'm not sure a pond would work as well, as the others advised I'd be inclined to keep it simple.

Good luck and have fun!