Shoots and Leaves Case Study
Edgy Woodland Wonderland in Summer
South London, UK
We transformed an existing bare patch of lawn, enclosed by a standard garden fence on three sides, into a captivating and unique outdoor space. The client specifically sought our artistic flair in designing a garden that would be imaginative and one-of-a-kind.
Despite the relatively compact size of the space, approximately 10 x 10 meters (100 sqm), our goal was to create a garden that offered more than just a visual experience from a stationary viewpoint. We wanted it to be an explorative journey as one walked through it, with hidden surprises and elements that demanded curiosity.
Inspired by the atmosphere of a woodland edge, we introduced multistem trees—ginkgo, flowering cherries, and pines—arranged to filter light and create a natural canopy. Gentle ground undulations enhanced the sense of depth and discovery.
Three off-centred feature walls, each 3–4 m long and 2.2–2.5 m high, introduced movement and avoided symmetry. These were clad in bespoke tiles of varying sizes and thicknesses, also used on the ground to form a dynamic path pattern filled with slate.
A matrix of ornamental grasses, including Sesleria autumnalis ‘Greenlee Hybrid’ and Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Goldtau’, provided texture and seasonal interest. A small water feature added sound, life, and habitat for wildlife.
The result is a richly layered, contemporary garden that invites exploration and transforms a once-plain lawn into a captivating outdoor retreat.
Photography: Alister Thorpe
Landscape construction: Shoots and Leaves
Awards:
Society of Garden + Landscape Designers – SGLD Awards Winner, UK (2025) – Garden Jewel
