PROJECT 01 · CUMNOR HILL, OXFORD
A Contemporary Gravel Garden
Transforming an underused sloping garden into a beautiful, naturalistic landscape.
GARDEN DESIGN · LANDSCAPING · PLANTING
01 · THE BRIEF
A garden with more to offer
This garden transformation in Cumnor Hill, Oxford, was designed to bring character, movement and purpose to a previously uninspiring space. Combining contemporary landscaping with relaxed, naturalistic planting, the project has created a garden that is both visually striking and wonderfully practical for family life.
The original garden was dominated by lawn, with a series of timber steps cutting through a sloping bank. While the upper lawn provided valuable space for family games and activities, the slope and lower garden offered little in terms of interest or enjoyment.
Our aim was to introduce a more engaging landscape, creating a garden that could be appreciated throughout the seasons while remaining easy to maintain.
02 · THE STARTING POINT
Before
The original lawn and timber steps.
03 · THE DESIGN
An informal journey through the garden
The design centred around transforming the existing slope into a contemporary gravel garden, introducing texture, height and movement through carefully selected planting.
The original timber steps were retained but reconfigured into a more informal, staggered arrangement, creating a natural journey between the different garden levels.
A combination of architectural grasses, flowering perennials and characterful, hand-selected olive trees brings softness and contrast to the gravel landscape. Tall Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ grasses provide vertical structure, complemented by Verbascum, Sanguisorba, Hakonechloa macra and a carefully considered selection of drought-tolerant plants.
To soften the visual impact of the neighbouring contemporary building, Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ trees were introduced, providing an attractive natural screen and seasonal interest without overwhelming the space.
04 · KEY FEATURES
Considered details throughout
Contemporary gravel garden with naturalistic, low-maintenance planting
Reconfigured timber sleeper steps creating an informal route through the slope
Pyrus ‘Chanticleer’ trees to soften the neighbouring architecture
Hand-selected, characterful olive trees and architectural ornamental grasses
Precision-installed metal edging defining the gravel garden and pathways
A new connecting pathway linking the Millboard decking to the garden
Bespoke handcrafted oak benches creating an intimate fire pit seating area
Integrated irrigation and garden lighting systems
05 · THE FINISHED GARDEN
A landscape to enjoy and share
The completed garden offers a wonderful balance between contemporary design and natural beauty.
The upper lawn remains an open, versatile space for family activities, while the previously underused slope has become a richly planted feature, full of texture, movement and seasonal interest.
A discreetly edged gravel pathway connects the house and decking to the wider garden, while a secluded seating area, complete with two handcrafted oak benches, provides the perfect setting for relaxed summer evenings around the fire pit.
The combination of gravel, natural timber, architectural planting and carefully positioned trees creates a cohesive landscape that complements the contemporary surroundings.
06 · OVER TIME
Watching it grow
Perhaps most rewarding has been watching the garden develop over time. The clients have embraced their new outdoor space, caring for the planting beautifully and allowing the garden to mature and evolve with each passing season.
A once underutilised space has become a garden to explore, enjoy and share, a landscape that continues to reward the family year after year.
