Harley Gardens Chelsea

Our Clients lived in this wonderful house in the heart of Chelsea for a great number of years and then decided the time had come to completely refurbish the property, which was to include a new double basement.

Bartholomew Landscaping were introduced to the Client by the London based LAB Architects, with whom we had successfully designed and built other projects.

This project was extremely challenging as no garden existed other than a mound of slopping earth within the lower light-well. Our approach was to introduce a bespoke steel structure to create a series of cantilevered platforms in order to provide the spaces required, such as a patio / entertaining area, upper hardwood deck on which to relax, all surrounded by elements of gentle running water, thus creating a thoroughly tranquil space.

A fire place was also integrated into the hardwood timber facade beside the patio, which was screening the staircase leading down from the upper balcony.

The planting consisted of some beautiful specimen plants such as the key “acer palmatums” within the upper hardwood deck, providing superb layering structure as well as stunning autumn colour.

Other key evergreen, herbaceous and aquatic plants used were Azalea Hino Crimson, Nandina domestica ‘Firepower’, Rhododendron’s, Pieris Katsura, Actaea simplex ‘James Compton, Zantedeschia aethiopica ‘Crowborough’, Anemone x hybrid ‘Honorine Jobert’, Cyperus alternifolius, Iris ensata, Cyperus alternifolius and Equisetum Japonicum.

The whole scheme was very subtly illuminated including submersible lighting within the water features that provided a stunning atmospheric mood at dusk.

A computer controlled irrigation and water feature top up system were also installed.

Needless to say the clients response was one of utter delight in so much as that we had created not only a fully functional space, but the perfect picture window when looking from their newly installed kitchen / diner within the lower level.