Shade garden

Nestled in a 1960s Camberwell estate, this garden occupies land once part of a Georgian manor. The immense boughs of a magnificent beech, over two centuries old, shapes the space beneath. Its roots draw moisture from the soil, and its shade casts a cool, lingering calm—creating a challenging microclimate that demands thoughtful, inventive planting.  

By working with the tree rather than against it, the garden now thrives: shade-tolerant plants flourish in raised beds and containers, heavy mulches conserve moisture in the soil, and a discreet drip irrigation system keeps life flowing in the toughest summers. Over the years, the existing hard landscaping has been softened and replaced with layers of foliage, allowing the garden to grow richer, more dynamic, and more resilient. 

A tall timber structure hosts bird feeders, attracting goldfinches, woodpeckers, nuthatches, and playful squirrels. Pale blooms illuminate shadowed corners, while feathery ferns, spiky hellebores, fiery autumn acers, and winter grasses ensure year-round interest. Delicate ivies dissolve the boundaries, visually linking the space to a communal garden beyond.  

Designed to be both seen and used, the garden is framed by large glazed doors from the open-plan house. Whether viewed from the dining table, or the owner’s workspace, it offers a serene, ever-changing scene—an intimate sanctuary sculpted from challenge into beauty.