A semi-retired heart surgeon and his wife purchased a home in Coventry. Collaborating with garden designer Jonathan Venables, we transformed what was once a bland, waterlogged garden into a vibrant outdoor retreat where they could relax and enjoy their surroundings.

Several trees, gifted by colleagues upon retirement, were carefully positioned to ensure their long-term health and prominence within the space. To reflect a passion for home-grown produce, the design incorporated five large raised planting beds dedicated to vegetables, and the growing of plants that would compliment the production of ‘homemade Gin!’

Originally, the garden featured a straight paved path through the centre. However, after discovering that the ground was prone to waterlogging and movement, we recommended a curved Millboard deck—an elegant, durable solution that would flex with the shifting soil while maintaining its structure.

With plans for a future canine companion, we also enclosed the garden with stock fencing, designed with appropriate spacing to ensure safety without compromising the aesthetic.