Garden Design for Edwardian Houses

Edwardian houses can provide an exceptional setting for garden design.

Their proportions, architectural detailing, larger windows and often more generous relationship with the garden can provide a strong foundation for both traditional and contemporary landscapes.

But designing a garden for an Edwardian house does not mean attempting to recreate a garden from the early twentieth century.

A successful design should respect the character of the property while creating a garden that works for the way its owners live today.

That might include:

• Contemporary terraces

• Outdoor dining

• Naturalistic planting

• Specimen trees

• Garden lighting

• Outdoor kitchens

• Pergolas

• Water features

• Modern seating areas

• Carefully designed privacy.

The objective is not historical reproduction.

It is to create a garden that feels appropriate to the house, the site and the people who live there.

Kirman Design creates bespoke gardens for Edwardian, Victorian and other period properties throughout North West England, including Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the Ribble Valley.

Understanding the Edwardian House Before Designing the Garden

The house should influence the garden without dictating every design decision.

Before deciding where to place patios, lawns, paths or planting, consider:

• Architectural proportions

• Window positions

• Doors

• Bays

• Building lines

• Materials

• Existing views

• Garden orientation

• Levels

• Relationship with neighbouring properties.

Our Garden Design for Period Properties page explores the wider principles of designing landscapes around older homes.

What Makes an Edwardian Garden Different?

Edwardian properties can differ considerably, but many have a slightly lighter and less visually heavy architectural character than some Victorian houses.

Gardens can therefore work particularly well when they combine:

• Strong structure

• Generous planting

• Elegant materials

• Open lawns

• Trees

• Carefully proportioned terraces.

The aim should not be to create an Edwardian theme.

It should be to understand the character of the house and allow the landscape to respond to it.

Should an Edwardian House Have a Traditional Garden?

Not necessarily.

An Edwardian house can work successfully with:

• Traditional garden design

• Contemporary design

• Formal layouts

• Country gardens

• Naturalistic planting

• Modern outdoor living.

The success of the design depends more on:

• Proportion

• Materials

• Planting

• Detailing

than whether the garden follows a particular historical style.

Contemporary Garden Design for Edwardian Houses

Contemporary garden design can work extremely well beside Edwardian architecture.

The contrast between:

period house + contemporary landscape

can be sophisticated when handled carefully.

Contemporary does not have to mean stark.

Our Contemporary Garden Ideas page explores how modern landscape design can use:

• Strong geometry

• Controlled materials

• Generous planting

• Architectural trees

• Precise detailing.

The house provides character while the garden provides a contemporary interpretation of outdoor living.

Modern Gardens for Edwardian Homes

A modern garden can provide a particularly effective contrast with an Edwardian house.

Our Modern Garden Ideas page explores approaches including:

• Simple geometry

• Larger paving formats

• Structured planting

• Outdoor living

• Modern lighting.

The important thing is that the landscape does not feel as though it has been designed independently of the house.

Let the Architecture Influence the Layout

Architectural lines can provide useful starting points for the landscape.

These might include:

• Window centres

• Doorways

• Building corners

• Bay windows

• Extensions.

These lines can influence:

• Patio edges

• Paths

• Planting beds

• Water

• Focal points.

However, good garden design does not mechanically extend every architectural line into the landscape.

The designer should identify which relationships create the strongest composition.

Views From an Edwardian House

One of the most important questions is:

What will you see when you look out of the house?

Important viewpoints might include:

• Kitchen windows

• Dining room

• Living room

• Hallway

• Bedrooms

• New extensions.

The landscape can then be composed around these views.

A carefully positioned:

• Specimen tree

• Multi-stem tree

• Sculpture

• Water feature

• Planting composition

can provide year-round visual interest.

Our Indoor Outdoor Garden Design page explores how interior and exterior spaces can be considered together.

Edwardian Houses With Modern Extensions

Many Edwardian houses have been extended to provide larger:

• Kitchens

• Dining rooms

• Family spaces

• Glazed garden rooms.

The garden can provide the visual connection between the original house and contemporary extension.

Our Garden Design After a House Extension page explores how landscaping can reconnect the garden after substantial building work.

If an extension is still being planned, our Garden Design for New Extensions page explains why involving the garden designer earlier can help coordinate the two projects.

Edwardian Houses With Bifold Doors

Modern extensions often introduce large glazed openings.

Our Garden Design Around Bifold Doors page explores how the landscape can respond to:

• Bifold doors

• Large windows

• Open-plan kitchens

• New thresholds.

Important considerations include:

• Patio position

• Finished levels

• Drainage

• Views

• Furniture

• Planting.

Edwardian Houses With Sliding Doors

Large sliding doors can create an even stronger visual relationship with the garden.

The external landscape effectively becomes part of the view from the interior.

Our Garden Design Around Sliding Doors page explores how paving, planting and focal points can be coordinated with large glazed elevations.

Creating a Seamless Transition From House to Garden

A seamless transition does not necessarily mean using identical flooring inside and outside.

It can be achieved through:

• Sightlines

• Levels

• Compatible colours

• Architectural alignment

• Planting close to the house

• Strong views.

Our Creating a Seamless Transition from House to Garden page explores this in greater detail.

Patio Design for Edwardian Houses

The main terrace is often one of the most important parts of a contemporary Edwardian garden.

But avoid assuming that the patio should simply extend across the entire rear elevation.

The terrace should be designed around:

• Furniture

• Dining

• Circulation

• Sun

• Shade

• Views

• Planting.

Our Garden Patio Ideas page explores how patio size, position and proportion affect the wider landscape.

Patio Design Outside Bifold Doors

Large doors do not automatically require an equally large rectangle of paving.

Planting can be brought closer to the house to soften the relationship between architecture and landscape.

Our Patio Design Outside Bifold Doors page explores this specific design challenge.

Natural Stone for Edwardian Gardens

Natural stone can work beautifully around Edwardian properties.

Its:

• Texture

• Variation

• Natural character

can complement period architecture.

Depending on the property, options might include different forms of:

• Sandstone

• Limestone

• Yorkstone.

The material should be selected as part of the complete design.

Porcelain Paving for Edwardian Houses

Porcelain can also work extremely well.

It can provide:

• Precise detailing

• Contemporary contrast

• Consistent colour

• Clean geometry.

A period house does not automatically require traditional paving.

The question is whether the paving belongs within the overall composition.

Brick in Edwardian Garden Design

Brick can create a particularly strong relationship with an Edwardian house.

It can be used for:

• Paths

• Edging

• Walls

• Steps

• Raised planters.

The brick does not necessarily need to be an exact match to the house.

A complementary tone can sometimes work better.

Gravel and Edwardian Gardens

Gravel can provide a softer transition between:

• Paving

• Planting

• Lawn

• House.

It can work particularly well for:

• Secondary paths

• Informal seating areas

• Country-style gardens

• Larger properties.

Garden Walls

Walls can help establish the structure of the garden.

They might:

• Define terraces

• Create planting areas

• Manage level changes

• Form seating

• Frame views.

Our Garden Wall Ideas page explores the different roles walls can play within a landscape.

Retaining Walls

Where an Edwardian property sits on sloping ground, retaining walls may be necessary to create usable areas.

These should be treated as landscape architecture rather than purely engineering objects.

Our Garden Retaining Walls page explores the design and construction considerations involved.

Raised Planters

Raised planters can be used to:

• Define terraces

• Introduce planting near seating

• Manage changes in level

• Create informal boundaries.

Our Raised Planter Construction page explores how raised planting can become an integrated part of the landscape.

Planting Design for Edwardian Houses

Planting is one of the most effective ways to connect a newly landscaped garden with an older house.

It can provide:

• Maturity

• Softness

• Seasonal change

• Structure

• Wildlife value.

Our Garden Planting Ideas page explores how planting can transform the character of a landscape.

Does the Planting Need to Be Edwardian?

No.

There is no need to recreate a historically accurate Edwardian planting scheme.

A contemporary planting design can be entirely appropriate.

The planting should instead respond to:

• Soil

• Light

• Exposure

• Maintenance

• Design character.

Traditional Planting for Edwardian Houses

Where a softer or more traditional character is wanted, planting might include:

• Roses

• Climbers

• Herbaceous perennials

• Shrubs

• Hedges

• Flowering trees.

The objective should be to capture an appropriate atmosphere rather than create a museum garden.

Naturalistic Planting

Naturalistic planting can create an effective contrast with the architecture.

Grasses and perennials can provide:

• Movement

• Texture

• Seasonal change

• Wildlife value.

This can work particularly well where the hard landscaping is more contemporary.

Structural Planting

A strong planting scheme needs structure.

This may be provided by:

• Evergreen shrubs

• Hedges

• Trees

• Architectural plants.

Seasonal planting can then sit within that framework.

Trees for Edwardian Gardens

Trees can be particularly important because Edwardian houses often have sufficient architectural scale to benefit from substantial planting.

Trees may provide:

• Privacy

• Height

• Shade

• Seasonal interest

• Structure.

They can also help anchor the house within the landscape.

Specimen Trees

A specimen tree can create an immediate focal point.

It might be positioned:

• Beyond the terrace

• Within a planting bed

• At the end of a view

• Between the house and an overlooking property.

The correct position is often more important than simply selecting an impressive tree.

Multi-Stem Trees

Multi-stem trees can provide a softer architectural form.

They can be particularly useful for:

• Filtered privacy

• Framing views

• Adding height without excessive density.

They can also help bridge the visual gap between mature architecture and newly installed planting.

Privacy in Edwardian Gardens

Many Edwardian houses are located in established residential neighbourhoods.

Privacy issues can include:

• Neighbouring windows

• Extensions

• Upper-storey views

• Open boundaries.

Our Garden Privacy Ideas page explores how privacy can be created without turning the garden into an enclosed box.

Screen the View, Not Necessarily the Boundary

The most effective privacy solution is often targeted.

Identify:

• Where you sit

• Where the overlooking originates

• Which sightline needs interrupting.

Then use:

• Trees

• Planting

• Screens

• Pergolas.

Our Garden Screening Ideas page explores these strategies in greater detail.

Pergolas for Edwardian Houses

A pergola can provide:

• Shelter

• Shade

• Privacy

• Architectural definition.

It can also help create an outdoor room.

Our Pergola Ideas page explores how pergolas can become part of the wider garden design.

Contemporary aluminium structures can work extremely well with Edwardian architecture when they are properly integrated.

Creating an Outdoor Room

An outdoor room can provide a comfortable transition between house and wider garden.

Our Creating an Outdoor Room page explores how:

• Paving

• Planting

• Furniture

• Screening

• Lighting

• Structures

can work together to create a defined space.

Outdoor Living for Edwardian Houses

Modern families often want their gardens to function as extensions of their homes.

Our Outdoor Living Garden Design page explores how landscapes can accommodate:

• Dining

• Lounging

• Cooking

• Entertaining

• Evening use.

This can be achieved without compromising the architectural character of an Edwardian property.

Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen can work extremely well where the garden has a strong relationship with an internal kitchen or dining space.

Our Garden Design Around an Outdoor Kitchen page explores how cooking, dining, seating, services and landscaping should be coordinated.

Outdoor Dining

The dining area should be designed around how it will actually be used.

Consider:

• Table size

• Number of chairs

• Circulation

• Kitchen access

• Sun

• Shade

• Shelter.

Our Garden Design for Outdoor Dining page explores these considerations.

Designing for Entertaining

Larger Edwardian properties can provide excellent opportunities for gardens designed around entertaining.

The landscape might include:

• Dining terrace

• Outdoor kitchen

• Lounge seating

• Fire pit

• Secondary seating.

Our Garden Design for Entertaining page explores how these areas can work together.

Garden Lighting for Edwardian Houses

Lighting can create a completely different garden after dark.

It might highlight:

• Trees

• Planting

• Paths

• Steps

• Water

• Architectural details.

Our Garden Lighting Ideas page explores how to create atmosphere without over-lighting the landscape.

Views From the House at Night

Lighting should be considered from inside the property.

Rather than seeing:

bright patio → black garden

the lighting scheme can create:

• Foreground

• Middle distance

• Background.

This extends the perceived depth of the garden after dark.

Water Features

Water can complement both traditional and contemporary Edwardian garden designs.

Possible approaches include:

• Reflecting pools

• Rills

• Ponds

• Water walls

• Wildlife ponds.

Our Garden Water Feature Ideas page explores how water can provide sound, movement, reflection or habitat.

Fire Pits

A fire pit can create a strong secondary destination.

Our Garden Design Around a Fire Pit page explores how fire, seating, planting and circulation can be considered as one space.

Paths in Edwardian Gardens

Paths are not simply practical routes.

They control:

• Movement

• Views

• Pace

• Connections between spaces.

Our Garden Path Ideas page explores how paths can influence the experience of a garden.

Garden Steps

Changes in level should be resolved carefully.

Steps can become a strong part of the composition rather than something inserted afterwards.

Our Garden Steps page explores step design and construction.

Garden Levels Around Edwardian Houses

Older houses often have complicated external levels caused by:

• Original construction

• Extensions

• Previous landscaping

• Sloping land.

Our Garden Levelling page explains why the objective should be to establish the right levels, rather than automatically making the entire garden flat.

Sloping Edwardian Gardens

Where the property sits on a slope, the design may need to incorporate:

• Terraces

• Steps

• Retaining walls

• Drainage.

Our Sloping Garden Ideas page explores how slopes can become part of the design rather than simply a problem to remove.

Garden Terracing

Terracing can create several usable areas across a sloping garden.

Our Garden Terracing page explores how levels can be connected through:

• Steps

• Walls

• Planting

• Paths.

The result should feel like one garden rather than a collection of platforms.

Drainage Around Edwardian Houses

Drainage needs particular attention where:

• New paving is installed

• Ground levels change

• Extensions have altered runoff

• Heavy clay soils are present.

Our Garden Drainage Installation page explores how drainage should be incorporated into the wider landscape.

North-Facing Edwardian Gardens

Some Edwardian properties have gardens where the house creates substantial shade.

That does not mean the garden cannot be attractive or useful.

Our North-Facing Gardens page explores:

• Shade-tolerant planting

• Patio positioning

• Secondary seating

• Materials

• Lighting.

The objective should be to understand the available light rather than fight against the orientation.

Edwardian Front Garden Design

The front garden contributes significantly to the character of a period house.

It forms the sequence:

Street → boundary → garden → entrance → architecture

Potential features include:

• Paths

• Gates

• Walls

• Hedging

• Trees

• Planting.

A front garden should enhance the property without becoming over-designed.

Edwardian Semi-Detached House Gardens

Many Edwardian houses are semi-detached.

These plots can provide:

• Useful width

• Side access

• Generous rear gardens.

The design may need to resolve:

• Privacy

• Side routes

• Extensions

• Multiple views from the house.

Edwardian Detached House Gardens

Detached Edwardian houses can have substantially larger plots.

These can accommodate:

• Large terraces

• Multiple seating areas

• Lawns

• Specimen trees

• Extensive planting

• Outdoor kitchens

• Pergolas.

Our Large Garden Design page explores how larger gardens require hierarchy and structure.

Large Edwardian Gardens

The challenge with a large garden is rarely finding enough space.

It is organising the space coherently.

Our Large Garden Ideas page explores:

• Garden rooms

• Trees

• Planting

• Water

• Paths

• Secondary destinations.

A large Edwardian garden should not simply become a large lawn surrounded by narrow borders.

Long Edwardian Gardens

Some Edwardian properties have long rear gardens.

If poorly designed, these can feel like corridors.

Our Long Narrow Garden Design page explores how:

• Cross-garden lines

• Offset routes

• Layered planting

• Partial screening

• Destinations

can make the length an advantage.

Wide Edwardian Gardens

Some detached Edwardian properties have unusually wide plots.

The challenge is often creating depth rather than width.

Our Wide Garden Design page explores how layered planting, trees, diagonal views and carefully positioned destinations can give broad gardens greater depth.

Edwardian Country Houses

Larger Edwardian houses in rural settings need to respond to the surrounding landscape.

Our Garden Design for Country Houses and Garden Design for Country Gardens pages explore this relationship.

The landscape can become progressively softer as it moves away from the house:

architecture → terrace → formal garden → lawn → meadow → countryside

This creates a natural transition rather than an abrupt edge.

Lawns in Edwardian Gardens

Lawns can provide valuable visual calm.

They can help balance:

• Architecture

• Trees

• Planting

• Hard landscaping.

But lawn should be part of the composition rather than simply filling whatever space remains.

Edwardian Gardens Without a Lawn

A lawn is not compulsory.

Smaller or more contemporary gardens might instead use:

• Deep planting

• Gravel

• Paving

• Trees

• Paths.

Removing the lawn can sometimes create more room for planting and outdoor living.

Low-Maintenance Edwardian Gardens

Low maintenance should not mean removing most of the planting.

Instead, consider:

• Larger planting groups

• Structural shrubs

• Appropriate perennials

• Sensible lawn areas

• Good-quality materials.

A well-designed planting scheme can reduce unnecessary maintenance while retaining seasonal character.

Wildlife-Friendly Edwardian Gardens

Established Edwardian gardens may already contain:

• Mature trees

• Hedges

• Walls

• Shrubs.

These can provide a valuable ecological foundation.

New planting can increase:

• Nectar

• Pollen

• Berries

• Shelter

• Habitat.

Water can also make an important contribution.

Edwardian Gardens and Planning Permission

Many ordinary garden landscaping projects will not require planning permission.

However, individual proposals may need further investigation.

These can include:

• Certain structures

• Raised terraces or decking

• Significant boundary changes

• Protected trees

• Major alterations to levels.

Our Do I Need Planning Permission to Landscape My Garden? page explores these considerations.

Listed Edwardian Houses

Some Edwardian properties are listed.

Where this is the case, additional heritage considerations may apply.

Our Garden Design for Listed Buildings page explores how the landscape can be designed around historically important properties.

Edwardian Houses in Conservation Areas

Edwardian neighbourhoods can also fall within conservation areas.

This can make it particularly important to investigate proposals involving:

• Trees

• Boundaries

• Front gardens

• Structures.

Contemporary garden design may still be possible, but the context of the property should be understood.

Do I Need Drawings for an Edwardian Garden?

The level of design information required depends on the project.

A simple planting improvement is very different from a complete landscape transformation.

For projects involving:

• Paving

• Levels

• Walls

• Drainage

• Structures

• Lighting

a coordinated drawing package can help the landscaper build the design accurately.

Our Do I Need Drawings for My Garden? page explains this in more detail.

How Much Does Garden Design for an Edwardian House Cost?

Design fees depend on:

• Garden size

• Complexity

• Design scope

• Required drawings.

Our Garden Design Cost page explains the main factors affecting professional design fees.

How Much Does Landscaping an Edwardian Garden Cost?

There is no standard price based on the age of the house.

The important factors are:

• Garden size

• Access

• Ground conditions

• Excavation

• Drainage

• Levels

• Materials

• Planting

• Features.

Our Landscaping Cost page explains these cost drivers.

For a complete redesign and rebuild, our Garden Transformation Cost page explores the wider project budget.

Should I Use a Garden Designer?

For a substantial transformation, professional design can help coordinate:

• Architecture

• Outdoor living

• Views

• Privacy

• Levels

• Materials

• Planting.

Our Do I Need a Garden Designer? page explores when professional garden design can add the greatest value.

Choosing a Garden Designer for an Edwardian House

Look for someone who understands that a period property does not automatically require a traditional garden.

The designer should be able to balance:

• Architectural character

• Contemporary living

• Site conditions

• Landscape design.

Our How to Choose a Garden Designer page explains what to consider before making an appointment.

Questions to Ask Your Garden Designer

Before appointing someone, ask about:

• Relevant experience

• Design process

• Fees

• Drawings

• Planting

• Construction support.

Our Questions to Ask a Garden Designer page provides a much more detailed checklist.

Preparing for a Garden Design Consultation

Before the initial meeting, gather:

• House plans

• Extension drawings

• Inspiration images

• Budget information

• Priorities

• Information about existing problems.

Our How to Prepare for a Garden Design Consultation page provides a complete preparation guide.

You can also read What Happens at a Garden Design Consultation? to understand what the designer is likely to discuss and assess.

What Information Will the Designer Need?

The designer may need information about:

• Property

• Site

• Budget

• Lifestyle

• Existing problems

• Future plans.

Our What Information Does a Garden Designer Need? page explains what is useful to prepare.

When Should I Contact a Garden Designer?

Do not necessarily wait until you want landscaping to begin.

Design may need to be followed by:

• Drawings

• Pricing

• Contractor appointment

• Procurement.

Our How Far in Advance Should I Book a Garden Designer? page explains how to plan the programme.

Landscaping an Edwardian Garden

Once the design is complete, the construction may involve:

• Site clearance

• Excavation

• Groundworks

• Drainage

• Paving

• Walls

• Steps

• Planting

• Lighting.

Our Professional Landscaping and Garden Construction pages explain why landscaping should be treated as a construction discipline rather than simply a collection of surface finishes.

Choosing a Landscaper

If you are appointing the landscaper separately, compare contractors carefully.

Our How to Choose a Landscaping Company guide explains what to look for.

You can also use our Questions to Ask a Landscaper checklist before making an appointment.

When Should I Book the Landscaper?

Good contractors can have substantial forward programmes.

Our How Far in Advance Should I Book a Landscaper? page explains why contractor availability should be considered as part of the overall project programme.

Complete Garden Design and Build

For larger Edwardian garden transformations, coordinating the design and construction as one project can help protect:

• Design intent

• Material choices

• Detailing

• Planting

• Construction quality.

Our Complete Garden Design and Build page explains how the complete process can work.

Edwardian Garden Design in North West England

North West England contains a wide range of Edwardian properties, from suburban semi-detached houses to substantial detached homes and country properties.

The garden should respond to both:

• Architectural character

• Local landscape conditions.

These can include:

• Heavy rainfall

• Clay soil

• Mature trees

• Sloping land

• Exposure

• Restricted access.

Edwardian Garden Design in Lancashire

Lancashire contains Edwardian:

• Terraces

• Semi-detached houses

• Villas

• Detached homes

• Country properties.

Design may need to respond to:

• Clay soil

• Drainage

• Slopes

• Mature planting.

Edwardian Garden Design in Cheshire

Edwardian properties across Cheshire can provide excellent opportunities for combining traditional architecture with:

• Contemporary outdoor living

• High-quality landscaping

• Mature planting

• Bespoke features.

The design should feel refined rather than unnecessarily complicated.

Edwardian Garden Design in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester has many established Edwardian residential areas.

Gardens may need to address:

• Privacy

• Extensions

• Mature trees

• Long plots

• Construction access.

These practical issues should be incorporated into the design from the beginning.

Edwardian Garden Design in Merseyside

Edwardian properties across Merseyside can range from urban houses to larger detached homes.

The garden may need to respond to:

• Exposure

• Privacy

• Existing trees

• Architectural character.

Edwardian Garden Design in the Ribble Valley

Larger Edwardian properties in the Ribble Valley can require a more landscape-led approach.

The design might incorporate:

• Formal terraces

• Large lawns

• Specimen trees

• Naturalistic planting

• Meadow

• Views into the surrounding landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of garden suits an Edwardian house?

There is no single correct style. Contemporary, traditional, formal, naturalistic and country gardens can all work with Edwardian architecture.

Does an Edwardian garden need to be traditional?

No. A contemporary garden can work extremely well when its proportions, materials and planting complement the house.

Can I have a modern garden with an Edwardian house?

Yes. The contrast between period architecture and contemporary landscape design can be very effective.

What paving works with an Edwardian house?

Natural stone, porcelain, brick and gravel can all work. Material choice should be based on the overall design and character of the property.

Can I use porcelain paving?

Yes. High-quality porcelain can create an effective contemporary contrast with Edwardian architecture.

What plants work with Edwardian houses?

Trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, climbers and hedging can all work. The correct choice depends on site conditions and design style.

Can I have an outdoor kitchen?

Yes. It should be designed as part of the wider garden rather than simply added to an existing patio.

Can I have a pergola?

Yes. Both contemporary and traditional pergolas can work, depending on the design.

How can I create privacy?

Trees, hedging, screens, pergolas and layered planting can provide targeted privacy.

Should I keep mature trees?

Healthy, well-positioned mature trees can provide invaluable character, scale and maturity.

Can an Edwardian garden be low maintenance?

Yes. Low maintenance can be achieved through sensible planting, strong structure and appropriate materials.

Can I have a water feature?

Yes. Contemporary rills and reflecting pools can work just as successfully as more traditional ponds.

What should I do with a long Edwardian garden?

Create changes in width, layered planting, partial screening and destinations rather than allowing the garden to read as one long corridor. See our Long Narrow Garden Design guide.

How should I design a large Edwardian garden?

Start with the whole landscape and establish a hierarchy between terraces, lawn, planting, trees, paths and secondary destinations. See our Large Garden Design page.

Do I need planning permission?

Many ordinary garden works do not require planning permission, but particular structures, level changes, boundaries or protected trees may require further investigation. See Do I Need Planning Permission to Landscape My Garden?.

Do I need garden design drawings?

For substantial landscaping, drawings can help coordinate levels, materials, drainage, structures and planting. See Do I Need Drawings for My Garden?.

How much does an Edwardian garden cost to landscape?

The age of the property is less important than the size, access, ground conditions, specification and construction required. See our Landscaping Cost guide.

How much does garden design cost?

Fees depend on project scale, complexity and required design information. See our Garden Design Cost page.

How do I choose a garden designer?

Look at relevant completed work, experience, design process and whether the designer understands both the architecture and how you want to use the garden. See How to Choose a Garden Designer.

Does Kirman Design design gardens for Edwardian houses?

Yes. Kirman Design designs and landscapes gardens for Edwardian and other period properties throughout North West England.

An Edwardian Garden Should Respect the House Without Being Controlled by Its Age

An Edwardian property does not require an Edwardian-themed garden.

Instead, start with the architecture.

Look at:

• Proportion

• Materials

• Windows

• Doors

• Views

• Existing trees

• Relationship with the surrounding landscape.

Then consider how you want to live today.

Do you want:

• Outdoor dining?

• Entertaining?

• A contemporary terrace?

• An outdoor kitchen?

• A pergola?

• More privacy?

• Better planting?

• Somewhere to sit in the evening?

The design should bring these two things together:

the character of the house + the requirements of contemporary life.

That may result in a garden that is:

• Contemporary

• Traditional

• Formal

• Naturalistic

• Country

• Plant-rich.

The style matters less than the relationship.

A successful Edwardian garden should feel as though the landscape has developed naturally from the property rather than being imposed upon it.

If you own an Edwardian property in Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, the Ribble Valley or elsewhere in North West England, contact Kirman Design to discuss a bespoke garden design and landscape construction project tailored to your house, garden and lifestyle.