In 2024, I began a Level 2 Certificate in Garden Design at South Eastern Regional College.  A homeowner had contacted the college and offered his garden to be used as a real case study for students to develop their skills in garden design.  At the end of the course, once all designs were complete the homeowner would select a design and implement this at his new home on the shores of Belfast Lough. 

The client was rebuilding the existing 1970’s style bungalow to create a modern two storey house benefitting from views of the Lough.  The brief for the garden was to create a modern design replicating the clean lines of their new home.

After several site visits taking numerous photos and lots of measurements, I completed the Site Analysis and chatted with the client about their needs, likes & dislikes.  Recently retired, the couple now had time to spend in the garden and wanted a calm space with places to sit, an abundance of flowers & colour and a greenhouse for growing fruit and vegetables. 

I created a symmetrical design with a central path or spine leading from the patio at the rear of he house down the garden.  The path then splits leading to a second and third patio, each benefitting from sun in the morning and the evening.  The second patio incorporates a large polished concrete seat, mirroring the finish of the house & paving.  The garden paths laid in polished stone, are bordered with wide lush borders of a mix of shrubs, perennials and grasses providing seasonal colour and interest.

After presenting our designs to the client, mine was chosen as the winning design.  The homeowner commented ‘Clare created a standout design, it met our brief entirely and was exactly what we had hoped for’.