In the press
Have a read of some of the articles that Simon Orchard Garden Design have been featured in. To view the article in full screen just click the double arrow icon on the top right of each article and choose the 'Current view' option which opens a new window. If you're viewing on a mobile device, simply click on the image.
Ask the Designer
Modern Gardens, December '22
One of Modern Gardens' readers wrote in to ask how to turn a boring paved area of their back garden into an exciting space for entertaining and parties. When we got the call from the editor to see if we could help, we were delighted to offer some tips and tricks of the trade!
Click on the double arrow above to read the article or to have a look at the full for this project album here
The Power of Plants
Dream Gardens, July 2022
See how we incorporated a huge living wall as a wow-factor focal point in this Victorian terrace basement garden. Not only did it create a planted oasis of green, but it also allowed for the maximum area of paved terraces for relaxing and entertaining.
Click on the double arrow above to read the article or see more photos
Water and Warmth
Dream Gardens, March 2022
We are back in Dream Gardens this month with one of our favourite gardens which features a sunken firepit area,
Floating hardwood benches on three sides (undeplanted with shade-tolerant groundcover plants) provide ample seating for family and guests.
A bespoke water feature adds an extra sense of drama, with water dropping into a trough from a rendered feature wall, via thee copper pipes.
And taking centre stage in the area is a contemporary firepit from Solus Decor which provides a perfect focal point to sit around at any time of the day. More prosecco anyone?
Want to see more? Then head over to see the full album in our portfolio.
The Serpentine
Garden
Dream Gardens, Dec 2021
In this article you can read how we used curved pathways and circular terraces to transform a boring narrow plot into a tranquil space for our client to take time out after a busy day in the home office.
And be sure to check out the full album to see lots more photos from this project.
Taking it to
another level
Dream Gardens, Oct 2021
Having seen the photos of the multi-level garden that we designed, Dream Gardens Magazine got in contact about a special feature they were writing on the same subject.
We gave them lots of hints and tips and let them use our photos which they seemed very happy about!
So if you've got a tricky sloping garden and want to 'level up', have a read of the finished article here, or get in touch with us directly so see how we can help.
And you can see lots more photos of our multi-level photos here
A long narrow plot
without grass
Modern Gardens, May 2021
We were tasked with turning an un-loved narrow garden into a calming space for the owners to relax in after a hard days work.
We took the bold move to ditch the lawn in favour of paving and gravel, softened by prairie-style planting. See what you think, and view the whole album here
New build garden transformation
Modern Gardens, Feb 2021
See how we transformed the boring and awkward-shaped garden of a new build house into a contemporary and stylish garden, complete with cascading water feature and supersized steps leading up to a sun deck.
For more photos of this garden have a look at the full album.
Upcycled planter
Take a Break, March 2020
I found this old chest thrown out in the street and thought it would make a quirky and rustic herb planter. Anyone can upcycle and it's a great way to save money.
Have a look at the full album to see other upcycled items, including wall cladding, trough planters and a living wall - all made using old pallets
A lighter step
Modern Gardens, Jan 2020
Our photo of the chunky composite steps we designed is the main shot in this article about LED strip lighting in gardens in this month's Modern Gardens magazine.
You can see the full album for this project here, or click on this link to watch some amazing aerial drone video footage of this garden
Green wall getaway
Pro Landscaper, Sept 2019
Read about how we created this split-level green oasis to complement our client's high-end basement conversion, and how we managed to persuade the client to opt for the cool blue-grey colour scheme rather than the cream paving and white rendered walls they had originally wanted.
And you can see lots more photos of this and other projects in our portfolio
Shabby chic in
the city
Modern Gardens, April 2019
A tour of my own London garden (before we moved out of the city to Hampshire). A masterclass in creating a garden on a tight budget with clever use of layout and materials to keep costs down, as well as lots of upcycling of salvaged items. to create an aged, shabby chic look.
See more photos from this project - head on over to our portfolio
Wow-factor garden
Modern Gardens, Feb 2019
We love this garden that we re-vamped in Blackheath. The clients wanted a contemporary garden they could relax and entertain in, softened by lush planting. That's exactly what they got, with a garden that includes composite decking, a firepit and a soothing water feature. You can see the full album here
Front garden revamp - round 2
Modern Gardens, Jan 2019
Modern Gardens Magazine seem to like my gardens (not that I'm complaining) and this one in particular which they featured back in October 2017 - see below. It was a simple project aimed at keeping costs down whilst having high impact. You can see more photos of this front garden in London on our Houzz profile
Stylish front gardens
Modern Gardens, Feb 2018
Front gardens needn't be dull. We transformed one garden in London into a sophisticated and contemporary garden, sticking to a strict palette of green, white and grey. Whilst in another we planted in blocks to showcase individual plants. Click on the links to see more photos of The White Garden and The Cubist garden
Front garden revamp
Modern Gardens, Oct 2017
Small but sweet. Whilst lots of people like turning their front gardens into car parks we like to do the opposite. Here's a small front garden that we greened up by adding planting pockets within the paving. Now that's got to be better than looking out of your window and seeing you car! See more photos of this front garden in London on our Houzz profile