The Kitchen Garden

Location Stratford Upon Avon

Completion Year 2024

Project 2402

The Kitchen Garden

Location / Stratford Upon Avon

Completion Year / 2024

SUPPLIERS

  • Designer / Tom Wolstenholme
  • Furniture / Clients Own
  • Bricks / BPS
  • Clay Pavers / London Stone
  • Trees / New Wood Trees
  • Plants / Wargrave Nursery, Green Fingers Nursery
The Brief

The clients wanted a garden that could be used for both everyday living and entertaining, with a clear focus on creating an outdoor kitchen and dining space that could be enjoyed in all seasons. The existing garden lacked structure and purpose, and did not support the way they wanted to use the space socially or as part of daily life.

 

The Design Response

The design centres on a covered outdoor kitchen and dining pavilion, forming the heart of the garden and anchoring the layout. Brickwork echoes the architecture of the house, giving the structure a sense of permanence and belonging within the setting.

Stepping stone paths connect the kitchen, dining and seating areas, allowing movement through the garden while soft planting wraps around the hardscape. A secondary seating area with a fireplace provides a quieter place to relax, while layered planting brings seasonal interest and texture throughout the year.

The result is a garden designed for gathering and retreat in equal measure — structured, practical and visually calm, with the outdoor kitchen acting as a natural extension of the home.

 

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“From the initial concept to the final planting, the entire experience with Tom and his team has been exceptional. His vision helped us see potential we hadn’t imagined, and he went above and beyond to bring it to life.

The design process was smooth and collaborative, and once the build began, we were impressed by the team’s precision and care. Tom’s attention to detail is evident in every line and corner of the space. Despite our lack of gardening expertise, he created a planting scheme that’s low-maintenance and beautiful year-round.

We’ve already spent countless evenings under the canopy and quiet mornings by the fireplace. It’s more than a garden — it’s a place we truly live in now.”

Tasked with rejuvenating a lifeless courtyard space, our challenge was to introduce vibrancy and natural allure into a compact urban garden.