Castle Grove
Stourbridge, West Midlands
This suburban garden is conceived as a sanctuary of wonder and charm, a place to relax, gather and reconnect with nature, while providing a genuine refuge for wildlife. At the heart of the design is the view from the house: the garden is intended to read as a living artwork from within, evolving through the seasons in colour, texture and light.
A key part of the brief was to create a garden where the client could spend time with her grandchildren. It needed to accommodate entertaining and everyday life, while also encouraging children to explore, discover and develop a connection with nature. Bees, butterflies and other wildlife are woven into the experience through planting chosen to attract and support them.
Large bifold doors create a seamless relationship between house and garden, placing the connection between interior and exterior at the centre of the scheme. From inside, the layered planting becomes part of the architecture; outside, the garden continues the sense of space and openness.
The natural slope of the site has been used to create three distinct terraces. The lower patio is defined by limestone paving and limestone-clad walls, providing a generous space for gathering. Above this, a dining area sits within richly layered, organic planting, creating an intimate setting for outdoor meals. The upper terrace is devoted to a raised-bed cutting garden, with space reserved for a future greenhouse.
The planting has a Mediterranean character and is fully drought-tolerant, combining year-round structure with abundant seasonal interest. Layered throughout the terraces, it creates depth and softness while supporting a rich diversity of wildlife. From the bifold doors, the garden reads as a composed and ever-changing landscape; once outside, it reveals itself as a place to explore, gather and experience nature at close range.
A restrained palette of limestone, used consistently for both paving and wall cladding, gives the garden a sense of cohesion and permanence while strengthening its relationship with the architecture. Against this quiet framework, the planting brings movement, scent, texture and seasonal change.
Stepping stones, softened by thyme-filled joints, introduce a playful element of discovery without compromising the calm, considered character of the garden.
Ultimately, the garden brings together beauty, functionality and biodiversity in a way that feels both natural and enduring. Designed to evolve with the seasons, it provides a calm and immersive setting for family life, creating a place where time can be spent together, memories made and a lasting connection with nature nurtured. A garden to enjoy from the house, explore with the grandchildren, and return to throughout the year.
