Small front garden – Thames Ditton
Scope
Initial conditions
This Thames Ditton garden was compact and awkwardly proportioned, with a narrow circulation route and limited usable areas. Existing paving was uneven and uninspiring, and planting lacked definition, leaving the space feeling smaller and more enclosed than it actually was. The overall impression was functional but flat, with no clear focus or sense of arrival.
Client brief
The homeowners wanted a small but thoughtful garden that felt brighter, more spacious and easy to maintain. They were keen to improve visual flow, establish purposeful seating and circulation areas, and introduce planting that would provide year-round interest without demanding constant care. The design needed to maximise impact from minimal space.
The process
Design approach
The new layout created clear zones and a stronger sense of direction without overcrowding the plot. A paved terrace was positioned immediately outside the house to provide a usable outdoor living area, while careful material selection helped reflect light and visually open the space. Clean paving lines and subtle changes in level were used to guide movement, while planting beds were defined to frame views and add softness.
Planting was selected to suit the scale and aspect, combining compact shrubs, architectural grasses and perennials chosen for reliability and seasonal texture. The intention was to create a garden that felt calm and welcoming, with interest throughout the year but without complexity in care.
Construction details
Uneven paving and tired surfacing were removed, and the ground prepared for a stable new terrace on a compacted sub-base. Hard landscaping was laid with clean joints and durable materials to suit everyday use. Planting beds were defined and improved with quality soil to encourage strong establishment. Edging and subtle level changes were introduced to reinforce visual structure and support circulation around the garden.
Results
The completed garden now feels brighter, more purposeful and significantly more inviting. The terrace provides a practical outdoor living area, while carefully orchestrated planting frames the space and introduces texture and seasonal interest. Although compact in size, the garden now reads as a cohesive, calm outdoor room that supports everyday use and creates a welcoming impression from the house. Thoughtful design and material choices have maximised both visual appeal and practicality in a small Thames Ditton plot.