A Japanese hideaway
Ely, Cambridgeshire

​The requirements for this garden included a covered terrace to enjoy tea, Japanese staples such as rocks, steppingstones and calming water, and an abundance of planting. In line with Japanese aesthetics, the garden is built around organic and purposeful curves, using a small palette of hard landscaping materials: black clay pavers, reminiscent of kawara roof tiles, and silver grey granite gravel. The covered tea terrace is at the heart of the garden but the layout also encourages the visitor to meander and fully appreciate every detail, from specimen trees growing through an evergreen carpet to thoughtfully positioned water bowls.