To add visual interest and to create clear “zones” in the garden, a long bench was added between the new raised beds to form a lounge area, the decking underfoot stained black to further delineate from the rest of the garden.
The planting began with Acer trees, which now arch over the seating zone and offer dappled shade. Seasonal interest in the garden is provided by a variety of pots scattered throughout which can be moved as needed. The combination of these pots and the two mature trees results in a lush, layered, and lived-in scheme.
Bennet Smith/Marianne Majerus
Catherine and Kate brought the idea of “the power of green,” something they’ve taken away from their time studying at Inchbald School of Design, into the garden. The pared-back approach to colour makes the space feel immersive but not too busy: a rich backdrop that lets the textural aspects of the garden shine through. Not to mention, with many of the plants and trees being evergreen, it provides year-round bounty.
The result is a city garden that feels immersive and entirely liveable. With ample structure and a uniform palette that delights regardless of the season, Hicks & Hart’s Notting Hill project stands as a testament to what thoughtful design can bring to a garden.
Today, the Hicks & Hart studio sits just behind the critical doors to the garden. The space is as much part of home life as it is a space for Catherine and Kate to use professionally. It’s a beautiful backdrop for client Zoom calls, a testbed for planting ideas and a source of daily and ever-changing inspiration.