MONTON
The Brief
This project involved a series of expansive gardens enveloping a beautifully renovated Art Deco home in Monton, Eccles.
The goal was to create a cohesive, multi-functional landscape that enhanced the architectural character of the property while offering distinct, immersive outdoor experiences. Each garden area needed its own identity and purpose, including welcoming visitors at the front of the house and providing spaces for relaxation, entertainment, growing produce and play.
The overarching brief was to produce a design that felt elegant, practical and connected to the home’s unique aesthetic.
The Design
At the front of the property, the design was carefully developed to complement and elevate the home’s striking Art Deco façade. An avenue of columnar trees creates a sense of symmetry and arrival, underplanted with dwarf pines and fragrant lavender for year-round structure and seasonal interest.
Formal lawns frame the planting, while a new evergreen yew hedge replaces the outdated beech to provide a crisp architectural backdrop. The driveway pairs functionality with sophistication through a refined blend of Cotswold gravel, granite cobbles and cleverly concealed bin stores that maintain the garden’s timeless look.
To the rear, the design takes on a more experiential feel. A contemporary boardwalk guides visitors through drifts of scented planting towards a sunken seating space. Beyond this, a fully automated pergola with an integrated outdoor kitchen offers a luxurious hub for dining and entertaining in all seasons.
As the garden transitions further, it shifts into a tranquil woodland zone, providing cool shade and a calming contrast to the openness of the main entertaining areas.
Along the side of the property, we introduced a Mediterranean-inspired vegetable garden. Oak sleeper raised beds are arranged for easy access to herbs, seasonal produce and cut-flower varieties. Tree seats encircle flowering cherry trees to create restful pockets of shade, while the decomposed granite surface lends a classic European feel and doubles as an ideal space for boules. Finally, a dedicated games area completes the side garden, bringing energy to the scheme.
The Garden
The completed gardens form a richly layered, multifunctional landscape that balances elegance with usability. Each zone feels distinct yet connected, offering the homeowners a variety of experiences throughout the seasons.
The thoughtful integration of structured planting, natural materials and well-defined spaces has transformed the property into a welcoming retreat.
In 2025, this project received a Silver Award in the Residential #3 (Over $100,000) category at the APLD International Landscape Design Awards, recognising the quality, craftsmanship and visionary design that shaped this garden.
The Testimonial
"David has designed us the most amazing garden and we couldn't be more delighted with the outcome. David's expertise was not only crucial during the design process but he is helping us source the materials and plants to bring his designs to fruition. Without his expert guidance and invaluable knowledge in this department, we would not have known where to start!" — Eleanor and Paul
If you’re ready to elevate your garden with award-winning design, get in touch today. Let’s begin planning a garden that grows with you for years to come.