Japanese Inspired Garden in Marlow
Quietly sophisticated Japanese inspired garden to suit a renovated family home in Marlow
Chiltern Garden Design was brought into this project by the clients’ architect, who was transforming the house with a new front entrance and a large kitchen extension at the rear. From the very beginning, it was clear the garden had to deliver a real sense of arrival and be a ‘beautiful picture’ as viewed from the four metre wide glazing at the rear of the house.
Despite its compact size, the garden also needed to accommodate a new garden room while fulfilling an ambitious wish list. The clients dreamed of a lush, Japanese-inspired retreat that would feel calm, immersive and beautiful in every season. They wanted a seating area to catch the afternoon sun, the gentle sound of moving water, and carefully considered planting and lighting that would soften the boundaries and draw the eye away from the garden building.
Our design creates a seamless transition between inside and out, with porcelain paving flowing from the house into the garden before leading through a sculptural corten steel moon gate. This journey reveals layers of texture, colour and movement, with a bespoke corten water feature providing a soothing focal point. Characterful trees including Ginkgo, Japanese maple and cherry blossom bring seasonal drama, while richly textured green planting is lifted with delicate highlights of blue, white and soft lemon yellow.
At the front of the property, the brief was to create an elegant, welcoming entrance with level access for the clients’ elderly parents and lighting that would make the approach feel safe and inviting after dark. A crisp, angular layout complements the contemporary architecture, softened by evergreen planting and textured pebble beds that contrast beautifully with the smooth resin-bound driveway and paths. The result is an entrance that feels both practical and quietly sophisticated, setting the tone for the garden beyond.
Project Testimonial
"When people come round, the overwhelming comment is, “Wow!” Others comment on the clever way the design makes quite a small space look bigger. Sam was able to take all our ideas and develop a clear plan.... We 100% recommend Sam for any garden design project."