Garden Design

Garden Design in Beaulieu, Essex

Location: Beaulieu, Essex

A contemporary family garden that balances structure and softness with a timber pergola, layered planting and pathways that encourage movement through the space. Designed to feel calm, inviting and easy to enjoy throughout the seasons.

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The brief

The aim of this Beaulieu garden design was to create a vibrant yet refined family space that blends structure with abundant planting. The clients wanted a garden that felt contemporary, welcoming and easy to use day-to-day — with clear zones for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying seasonal planting.

A key focus was a defined seating area that would feel connected to the house while still offering a sense of escape. The garden also needed to mature gracefully, with planting that provides colour, texture and movement from spring through winter.

Timber pergola framing a central seating terrace.
Generous planting using perennials and ornamental grasses.
Simple pathways guiding movement and reinforcing structure.
Feature trees adding height and a gentle woodland atmosphere.

Timber pergola & outdoor seating

The pergola acts as the architectural centrepiece of the garden — providing subtle shade, defining the seating area and creating a visual anchor. Its natural tone complements the planting palette, blending softly into the wider scheme.

Positioned to enjoy long views across the garden, this terrace becomes a versatile space for everyday use, family time and relaxed summer evenings.

Layered planting & seasonal interest

Soft, layered planting brings movement and colour to the space. Perennials and grasses create depth while maintaining a naturalistic feel. The planting is designed to shift gradually through the seasons — fresh and green in spring, vibrant in summer, warm and textural as autumn fades into winter.

Pathways, trees & movement

A series of understated pathways guide movement and tie the garden together. Structural trees add height and rhythm, creating a gentle woodland character that softens the contemporary layout.

The result is a garden that feels composed yet relaxed — a space that invites exploration while remaining practical for modern family life.

Timber pergola and seating terrace in Beaulieu garden design — A pergola-framed seating space forming the heart of the garden.

Layered perennials and ornamental grasses in Beaulieu garden — Rich, layered planting adding movement and seasonal texture.

Garden pathways guiding movement through contemporary garden design — Pathways linking the garden’s spaces and encouraging exploration.

Planting atmosphere & long-term character

As the planting matures, the space becomes an immersive, seasonally-changing tapestry of colour, texture and form. Each layer has been chosen for longevity and clarity, allowing the garden to remain beautiful with minimal maintenance.

This Beaulieu garden is a calm, contemporary space designed for family life — structured yet soft, refined yet inviting.

Gallery

Spaces within the Beaulieu garden

Views showing the pergola terrace, layered planting and pathways that define the character of this contemporary family garden.

Pergola terrace in contemporary Beaulieu garden design — The pergola creates a defined outdoor room with natural warmth.

Perennials and ornamental grasses in layered planting scheme — Planting rich in texture and seasonal movement.

Contemporary garden pathway guiding movement through the space — Pathways that connect moments throughout the garden.

Feature tree planting adding height and structure in Beaulieu garden — Trees introducing height, shade and gentle woodland character.

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Like this garden in Beaulieu?

If you’re planning a garden redesign in Essex or the surrounding areas, we’d be delighted to explore how we can create a contemporary, welcoming space tailored to your needs.

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