Before and after photos of a new build garden top one showing the original lawn and fence. The 2nd photo showing the matured planted up garden after 5 years

Hello and Welcome!

Garden design trends are evolving, shaped by the way we live, the spaces we have, and our desire to reconnect with nature right at home. Today’s gardens aren’t just lawns with fences. They’re becoming immersive sanctuaries that offer privacy, calm, and a deeper sense of wellbeing.

As a garden designer, I’m always looking for ways to blend beauty with practicality, creating spaces that feel grounded, uplifting, and genuinely enjoyable to live in. And sometimes, a single transformation perfectly captures what so many of us are craving.

In September 2025, I shared a small suburban garden makeover on Instagram, a simple before and after. In 2020, the garden was nothing but plain grass and bare fencing. Fast forward five years, and it has become a secluded, layered haven filled with texture, wildlife , and shade.

To my surprise, the post took off. Within days it reached almost two million people, with over 100,000 likes and lots of comments from garden lovers around the world. That response made one thing clear: the transformation struck a chord.

why this makeover resonated

Most people begin with a blank garden, flat lawn, new build fencing, no privacy. It can feel uninspiring and overwhelming. But with a thoughtful approach, layer planting can completely soften boundaries, introduce movement, and evoke a sense maturity long before trees fully grow.

This garden belongs to a lovely family in Balsall Common who wanted privacy, dappled shade in a hot, south facing garden, and a sanctuary they could enjoy every day. Over the past five years, small trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses have grown into a lush sanctuary.

It feels a world away from the empty lawn it once was. And that emotional shift is what people respond to most, a garden that supports wellbeing.

COMMUNITY REACTIONS

HERE ARE SOME OF THE WONDERFUL RESPONSES THE TRANSFORMATION RECEIVED

‘‘A lovely way to hide the boundaries’’

‘‘What a brilliant transformation’’

‘‘WOW, these are the before and afters we LOVE TO SEE

It was amazing to see just how many people saw their own potential garden in this one.

most asked questions answered

Many viewers wanted to understand the story and the process behind the change. Here are the most common questions asked:

HOW DO YOU KEEP THE PLANTING UNDER CONTROL?

The planting here is intentionally low maintenance. Once established, it needs occasional shaping and cutting back a couple of times a year. It is designed to look lush without constant effort.

HOW DID YOU HIDE THE FENCE SO EFFECTIVELY?

Rather than adding screens or covering the fence, we softened the boundaries with layers planting. Taller structure behind, mid height shrubs in the middle, and textured planting in front. Your eye is drawn into the greenery, not the edges.

WHAT TYPES OF TREES ARE THOSE AT THE BACK?

Evergreen pleached trees, Elaeagnus ebbingei, ideal for privacy without taking too much ground space. They provide height where it is needed most but keep the garden feeling open beneath the canopy.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LOOK LIKE THIS?

Surprisingly quickly. This garden reached a mature look in around five years, with structure and planting knitting together beautifully over time.

IS IT DIFFICULT TO WATER?

No. A well prepared soil, mulch and resilient planting palette mean occasional, deeper watering in summer is all that is required.

WHAT THIS TRANSFORMATION SHOWS

This makeover represents a shift in modern garden priorities:

More green enclosure and softness.
Wildlife friendly planting that supports the ecosystem
Natural shade and structure instead of artificial screening
Spaces designed to elevate everyday moments.

THE HOMEOWNERS TOLD ME

‘‘It has made a huge difference to the space and added some shade to a very hot south facing garden’’

That is the real success, how a garden makes you feel when you are in it.

READY FOR YOUR OWN TRANSFORMATION

Whether you are starting with a blank lawn or a garden in need of revitalising. I’d love to help design a space that feels personal, peaceful and timeless.

See the full transformation in my portfolio below

Viral Transformation

If you would like to start planning your dream garden, I offer both full garden design and virtual garden design services across the UK. Get in touch to begin the conversation.

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