Albert Street
Transforming a compact outdoor space into a sanctuary for both wildlife and relaxation, Terra Foras revamped the front and rear gardens of this stunning property nestled in one of central Aberdeen's historic streets, envisioned by architect Archibald Simpson in the 1800s.
The design focuses on providing an informal yet elegant setting, characterised by the couple's passion for wildlife and an affinity for classic features with modern touches. Elegant Greek sculptures grace the outdoor space, nestled amidst a mosaic of contemporary porcelain elements and the nostalgia of the old-world cobblestones and Victorian lamps that define the street's character.
Originally a gravel and lawn-filled area, the garden now boasts an inviting blend of vibrant colours and scents, packed with raised planters brimming with roses, herbs, and an array of pots. Four large multi-stem birch trees give structure and create gentle dappled light and in the gravel garden a corten steel planter is filled with nepeta and lavender.
A focal point was created with a timber goal post framing the space like a painting, while a meandering uncut porcelain path offers a naturalistic journey through the space with Japanese forest grass following the sweeping curve of the path that spills over the porcelain tiles. A cedar clad garden house and corten steel wood store complete the space.
Black timber fencing ensures security and privacy at the rear, to create an intimate environment while the design in the front garden carefully preserves an existing mature Acer tree, supplemented by low-maintenance greenery.
This once simple outdoor space has been transformed into an urban haven. The Terra Foras team loved the challenge of seamlessly merging classic charm with contemporary features for this Aberdeen gem. Laden with vibrant hues and fragrant scents, the garden now stands as a harmonious sanctuary for wildlife and a tranquil retreat for unwinding amidst nature.
"When we returned to Aberdeen from London after twenty two years, we left behind a really nice garden which we had developed once the kids stopped playing football. While we liked our new house very much, the garden was a major disappointment. It was a small town plot, which we couldn’t change.....
"We needed to undertake a major overhaul of our garden once our house was built. We did not really have a ‘vision’ and needed someone with the expertise in both design and knowledge of flora and fauna.....
"When we contacted Terra Foras our city centre back garden was overgrown, uneven, difficult to keep on top of and lacked a decent seating area. It was desperately needing a makeover on a big scale, so we knew we needed to get the professionals in.....
“Our garden was looking uncared for due to the structure of the garden making it difficult. It wasn't suitable to give our children the freedom to play in it with some features making it unsafe. We also didn’t have the time needed, to maintain it properly as it was.....
"It was Terra Foras’s design led approach and innovative thinking that attracted us to them. We hoped the garden redesign would create a visually exciting and very useable external space. This has, without question, been achieved.....
"When we returned to Aberdeen from London after twenty two years, we left behind a really nice garden which we had developed once the kids stopped playing football. While we liked our new house very much, the garden was a major disappointment. It was a small town plot, which we couldn’t change.....
"We needed to undertake a major overhaul of our garden once our house was built. We did not really have a ‘vision’ and needed someone with the expertise in both design and knowledge of flora and fauna.....
"When we contacted Terra Foras our city centre back garden was overgrown, uneven, difficult to keep on top of and lacked a decent seating area. It was desperately needing a makeover on a big scale, so we knew we needed to get the professionals in.....
“Our garden was looking uncared for due to the structure of the garden making it difficult. It wasn't suitable to give our children the freedom to play in it with some features making it unsafe. We also didn’t have the time needed, to maintain it properly as it was.....
"It was Terra Foras’s design led approach and innovative thinking that attracted us to them. We hoped the garden redesign would create a visually exciting and very useable external space. This has, without question, been achieved.....
Got an outdoor space seeking enhancement rather than a blank canvas beginning?
Our Terra Foras thinking is that great gardens feel naturally connected to the existing space and the home, and if reclaiming old granite is part of the plan we’ll love that.