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Creating a Serene Sanctuary: How My N5 Secluded Family Garden Design Solved Long-Standing Issues

  • Writer: Sarah Kay
    Sarah Kay
  • 11 hours ago
  • 2 min read

My N5 Secluded Family garden was finished in October 2022, allowing the plants more than three years to fully establish. Here's how I addressed some of the garden's challenges.


  1. Overlooked by Neighbours

A sunny patio garden with brick houses in the background, covered table, wooden bench, green foliage, and vibrant red leaves.
Pleached tree and feathered Betula jacquemontii provide privacy from neighbours

Wooden bench in a garden surrounded by tall bushes and a wooden fence. Potted plants and yellow leaves on the ground. Calm setting.
Privacy was provided by overgrown Laurel, Bamboo and Ceanothus

A major problem with this garden is that it is overlooked by numerous neighbors at the rear. Although privacy was ensured by a Ceanothus tree, Bamboo, and a Bay tree, these plants had become overgrown and dense, causing the garden to feel dark and crowded.


I utilized pleached Carpinus (Hornbeam) and a feathered Betula Jacquemonti to establish a softer and less overpowering sense of privacy.


  1. No where to sit or entertain


Lush green garden with a wooden picnic table, benches, and a white bench. Brick houses in the background. Vibrant plants and pink pot.
N5 Secluded Family Garden in August 2025
A wooden bench sits in a lush garden with thick greenery and a wooden fence. A small plant pot and fallen leaves are on the ground. Tranquil mood.
Bench without a view

The current garden featured a bench in the sunniest spot, but it lacked a great view, and for a family of four, there was no place to dine outside.


In my design, I utilized two sides of the raised beds to craft a custom wooden bench that can comfortably accommodate 8 to 10 people. The original bench was kept to provide another seating area in the sun.


  1. Little or no planting

Garden with autumn plants, a covered table, and a wooden bench. Brick houses in the background. Overcast sky, peaceful mood.
N5 Secluded Family Garden in March 2026
Black dog sniffing grass in a small backyard with dense green bushes and wooden fence. Overcast sky and tall window visible in the background.
Before the garden was mainly laid to lawn with overgrown trees and bamboo and not much groundcover

The planting layout guarantees year-round interest and color, featuring vibrant evergreen foliage from an Acer palmatum dissectum, Loropetalum chinensis, Pittosporum, and Hebes throughout the garden.


  1. Difficult to maintain

Purple tulips and lavender bloom under sunlight in a garden. A birch tree and leafy vines form the background. Peaceful, natural setting.
Colourful planting against dark fencing in April 2026

The garden was challenging to maintain due to a vast lawn and indistinct flower beds. However, incorporating raised beds and selecting plants that thrive in their specific conditions while offering year-round appeal creates a garden that is easy to upkeep.


  1. No Storage

Garden with lush plants, a wooden bench, and a table under a cover. A blue chair and purple pot add color. Brick house in background.
Bike storage in my N5 Secluded Family Garden
Garden with wooden fence, overgrown plants, and a covered grill. A green bag and red brick houses are seen in the background.
Before - overlooked by neighbours and no storage

In the past, bikes were kept in a temporary shelter without any space to conceal tools and furniture. A bike store, painted to match the fencing, offers plenty of storage and seamlessly integrates with the rest of the garden.


Even though a few plants were lost, including Pittosporum 'Elizabeth', Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow', and the replacement of the overgrown 'Rosa 'Alberic Barbier' with a Rosa 'New Dawn', the majority of the plants have thrived, forming a private and functional area for my clients to enjoy throughout the year.


If you've got any of these issues with your current garden and you're looking for someone to help solve them, contact me to arrange a Consultation today.

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