A Many-Levelled Garden and Sculpture Gallery

 

Nestled along a steep lane in a charming row of historic cottages, this unique garden project was designed to reflect the vibrant character of both the property and its owners. Once a neglected outdoor space with crumbling steps, gravelled surfaces, and overgrown fir trees, the garden was in need of a complete transformation. The result is a dramatic, multi-level sanctuary that now serves as both a private retreat and an extension of the client’s contemporary art gallery.

A Home on Many Levels, and a Garden to Match

The home itself unfolds over several levels, and the garden mirrors this layout with six distinct terraces cascading down a total of 6.6 metres - roughly the height of a two-storey house! Creating a coherent and accessible flow between these levels was a core challenge of the design. Rebuilding the steps and incorporating subtle, well-planned lighting ensured both safety and usability throughout the garden, day or night.

Above: “Totem figures” based on different animals by British artist Jane Flint add a touch of magic to the garden for a recent exhibition by _.form gallery. Her inspiration comes from children’s stories, toys, historic and cultural artefacts.

Below: Large-scale ceramics by Andrew Ressell Flint are nestled in the planting. These pieces evoke the human figure and have their own quiet presence in the garden. The glazing subtly reflects the nearby foliage and the sky.

A Garden with Personality and Purpose

The clients, who run an art gallery, brought a love of bold colour and modern design to the brief. They wanted a space that could showcase contemporary sculptures and artworks, while also serving as a place to unwind after a busy day or entertain friends and family.

Each tier of the garden has its own identity and purpose. The lowest level has been transformed into a lush container garden, brimming with ferns and Japanese maples. This shady retreat provides year-round interest and a calming entry point into the rest of the space.

The central terraces host an inviting outdoor kitchen and dining area, complete with a striking copper basin water feature. From here, stairs lead to the uppermost level, which has been designed as an outdoor lounge - perfect for soaking up views or enjoying a quiet moment in the sun.

Other levels house more functional spaces, such as the laundry and potting shed, seamlessly integrated into the overall scheme to balance beauty with practicality.

Planting for Impact and Longevity

A mix of structural planting and seasonal highlights brings vibrancy and movement to the garden throughout the year. Key species include:

  • Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ – for its billowy lavender-blue flowers and pollinator-friendly nature

  • Elaeagnus angustifolia – with silvery foliage and a graceful form

  • Erigeron karvinskianus – self-seeding daisy-like blooms that soften the edges

  • A selection of tulips – adding spring drama and colour

  • Over 20 varieties of roses – all chosen for their suitability in containers and ability to thrive across the levels

This many-levelled garden is a striking example of how thoughtful landscape design can turn a challenging plot into a richly layered, multi-functional space—one that reflects the personality of its owners while standing as a showcase for living art.

 

Landscape design: Austin Design Works

Ceramics: Jane Flint and Andrew Russell Flint

Photography: Jennifer Adams