Public House

01. The Challenge and The Fundamental approaches

This project involved a large home with a very small side and backyard. The house was quite old, and over the years, the trees had grown so large that they completely covered the yard. To keep the space somewhat usable, the lower branches had been pruned regularly. However, the trees were so tall that almost no sunlight reached the garden. Because of the heavy shade, grass, flowers, and most plants couldn't grow properly.
By carefully analyzing these challenges, we created and implemented a small yet enjoyable boutique garden using the right design strategies, plant selection, and layout solutions.

02. The implementations and The Solution

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• By pruning the dry and overly aged branches of the old trees, we aimed to gently rejuvenate them. This also allowed more light to reach the garden and helped open up the space by clearing the overhanging limbs.
• We removed the neglected plants around the veranda and replaced them with low-maintenance, hardy, and more formal shrubs. This helped soften the awkward height difference between the patio and the garden, making the space feel more open and connected. The lower plantings also improved visibility and comfort, turning the small garden into a more inviting extension of the outdoor living area.
• We removed scattered small plants from the garden to create a cleaner and more open space.
• All plants were carefully selected for shade and partial shade conditions, which allowed them to grow more successfully.
• We placed all the plants along the edges to maintain the open space we created in the garden.
• To brighten up the dark, shaded yard, we used a mix of bold perennials and cheerful seasonal blooms.
• We designed the irrigation system with separate sprinkler and drip lines to ensure efficient water use.
• We used a clean edge between the lawn and plants to make mowing easier and keep the area tidy.
• Because the side yard was narrower and more shaded, we used Hedera and other shade-loving perennials to create a lush, green look with low maintenance.

03. The Result

What was once a completely unused backyard has become one of the most popular and inviting parts of the home. This project proved how even the smallest space can be transformed into a beautiful and joyful garden with the right design. We left this warm and welcoming space feeling proud and fulfilled.

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