Family Garden Design The Curved Lawn
Project Story
Soft curves bring order to The Curved Lawn without making the garden feel divided. Limestone terraces, sweeping lawn edges, shade planting, a play area and a corten water feature balance family use with a more refined setting for entertaining and everyday views from the house.
Project Gallery
The challenge, our solution and our approach
The Challenge
The clients desired a garden that would serve their growing family without sacrificing style. The challenge was creating a space that felt elegant and refined for adult entertaining while incorporating practical elements for children's play and family activities. The existing garden lacked definition and the connection between the house and garden felt disjointed.
Our Solution
We designed flowing curved lawn edges to create visual movement and soften the geometry of the limestone terrace. A dedicated play area with a charming playhouse was integrated seamlessly into the design, while lush shade-loving plantings provide privacy and year-round interest. The corten steel water feature adds a contemporary focal point without compromising safety.
In Detail
Our Approach
A refined family garden is one that serves everyone without compromising for anyone. This 3,013 sq ft garden in St Albans balances grown-up sophistication with practical family functionality through sweeping curved lawn edges that soften clean limestone terracing. The result is a space that feels elegant for adult entertaining yet works intuitively for children’s play and family life.
The design uses flowing curves to create visual movement and define distinct areas without barriers. A dedicated play zone with a charming playhouse is integrated as a landscape feature rather than a bolt-on. Lush shade-loving planting provides privacy and year-round interest beneath existing trees, while a corten steel water feature adds a contemporary focal point that children can enjoy safely. Every detail, from the lawn’s sweeping profile to the planting’s seasonal rhythm, has been considered.
We design gardens that grow with families, creating spaces that remain beautiful and relevant as children get older and needs evolve. If you are considering a family garden project in St Albans or the surrounding area, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help.
The services behind this garden: Garden Construction · Garden Design · Outdoor Living · Planting Design
The Transformation
Courtyard Transformation
The Build
From groundworks to the final finishing touches.
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Site Preparation & Layout
Complete clearance of the existing garden, establishment of new levels, and marking out the distinctive curved lawn edges that define the design.
2 weeks
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Hardscaping & Terracing
Installation of natural limestone paving with bullnose step edges, pebble drainage channels, and construction of raised planting beds with integrated seating.
4 weeks
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Planting & Features
Introduction of shade-loving ferns and hostas, flowering perennials including hydrangeas and catmint, installation of the corten steel water feature, and positioning of the children's playhouse.
3 weeks
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Finishing & Styling
Final lawn turfing, positioning of terracotta containers, outdoor furniture selection, and installation of subtle garden lighting for evening enjoyment.
1 week
Project Details
Paving & Surfaces
- Natural limestone paving
- Bullnose limestone step edges
- Pebble drainage channels
- Premium lawn turf
Planting
- Shade-loving ferns and hostas
- Hydrangea varieties
- Nepeta (catmint) borders
- Hellebore collections
- Structural evergreen planting
Features
- Corten steel water feature
- Children's wooden playhouse
- Terracotta container displays
- Contemporary outdoor furniture
- Integrated garden lighting
Sustainability
- Rainwater-harvesting irrigation
- Native pollinator-friendly planting
- Permeable drainage solutions
- LED energy-efficient lighting
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Begin Your Journey
Every great garden begins with a conversation. Let’s talk about yours.