GARDENS ILLUSTRATED, AUGUST 2025

Featured in the special Small Gardens editions of Gardens Illustrated, this Surrey garden demonstrates how thoughtful, high-end garden design can transform a relatively compact suburban plot into a sophisticated family garden that is beautiful, practical and rich in biodiversity.

A garden made for family life

The brief was to create a garden that worked for everyday family life – somewhere to entertain, relax and spend time outdoors with children and a dog – while introducing much more planting and wildlife value. The result combines a naturalistic, Mediterranean-influenced planting style with a practical layout and a strong sense of structure.

Naturalistic planting, with a Mediterranean feel

In the front garden, grasses and salvias create a relaxed, naturalistic feel inspired in part by the Delos garden at Sissinghurst. At the rear, clay pavers and self-binding limestone gravel create a flexible framework for a series of seating and entertaining areas, while layered grasses, shrubs and perennials soften the space. Three multi-stemmed Malus ‘Evereste’ provide height and seasonal interest, as well as blossom and fruit for birds. Elsewhere, the planting has been designed to support pollinators and increase biodiversity, while existing materials were reused wherever possible – including old paving and demolition material.

Wildlife-friendly, without looking wild

For me, the garden demonstrates that a wildlife-friendly garden does not have to look wild or compromise on sophistication. With thoughtful planting and careful design, a family garden can be practical, elegant, sustainable and full of life. As the owner, Theresa Osen, said: “It makes me smile every time I come home.”

You can see the full project here