CASE STUDY 02: THE MODERN COTTAGE

Location: Greenwich South

Challenge

A desire for "softness" and "romance" within an urban context, while keeping maintenance requirements low.

Design Solution

Briefed as "Modern Cottage," the scheme deliberately softened the urban geometry. Rather than relying on strict, formal lines, we implemented drift planting to blur the edges of hardscaping and create layered, informal transitions. The composition emphasises rhythm and movement, so the garden reads as established from the first season: planting bands and repeating vertical elements guide the eye through the space, producing a gentle, cinematic flow.

Horticultural Engineering

Using Shoot Gardening data to calibrate selections for local clay soil and microclimate, we developed a palette that achieves a hazy, romantic aesthetic while remaining robust and low‑maintenance.

Key Plants

The Mover: Calamagrostis x acutiflora (Feather Reed Grass) — a tall, upright grass that forms a vertical veil, introduces wind‑activated movement and light filtration.

The Workhorse: Geranium 'Rozanne' — a long‑flowering groundcover that carpets borders in violet‑blue from June to the first hard frosts, suppressing weeds and providing months of colour.

The Winter Bone: Pittosporum balls — evergreen, sculptural anchors that retain form and structure through winter when perennials die back.

Planting Approach

Drift planting groups of species in naturalistic drifts rather than single‑line beds, softening paving edges and allowing seasonal succession.

Repetition of the mover and workhorse across sightlines secures coherence and a sense of scale.

Structural evergreens are sparingly used to preserve the cottage sensibility while ensuring year‑round interest.

Deliverables

Greenwich numbered planting plan (detailed placement and quantities)

Seasonal planting list (see the seasonal planting list for bloom times, care notes and substitution options for variable microclimates)

Outcome

An urban Modern Cottage that reads soft and romantic without high upkeep — a nocturnal‑ready sanctuary with sculptural winter structure, abundant summer bloom and effortless movement through the seasons.