Mixed blessings

In a quiet corner of Essex, designer Stefano Marinaz has replaced a lawn and parking space with a naturalistic garden of mixed planting that offers interest all year

- MATTHEW BIGGS

When landscape architect Stefano Marinaz first arrived at this barn conversion next to an ancient village church, he found an extensive lawn and patio, and disproportionately large parking space that was completely out of context with the site. Luckily, the owners weren't wedded to the lawn and were happy to embrace Stefano's ideas for the area. "My portfolio appealed to them but they couldn't imagine my gardens in their space," says Stefano. "It wasn't until I visited to explain our vision that their new garden was born." Rather than look to the imposing 18th-century barn for inspiration, Stefano took his cue from the surrounding countryside. "The idea was to create a structure using woody plants and hedges, and add grasses and perennials for texture and colour," he explains. His design is based around interconnecting informal paths that help to divide the garden and lead to three organically shaped open areas - one for sunbathing, another focused around a firepit and the third, a sunny spot where the owners enjoy their morning coffee.

To keep hard landscaping to a minimum, as well as to maximise planting space and unify the garden, Stefano used the light gravel that had covered the parking space. The terrace by the barn was enclosed with rusted-metal estate fencing, increasing the space available for entertaining. A new front courtyard created a sense of arrival. Finally, a tall brick wall was demolished, linking the new courtyard and existing terrace.