Changing Rooms

We have been inspired by the design principles of the Far East in this garden, using structure to frame and shape the natural world.  Clean lines and simplicity are key here.

The dominant feature in this garden is clearly the screen frame, set diagonally to the garden’s axis.  Not many people would have been brave enough to paint it bright red but it actually works brilliantly with the natural elements in two ways.  Firstly, because green and red are opposites on the colour wheel, this means it provides natural contrast to all the green foliage around it.  Secondly, because we have chosen some plants – notably the acers – which turn shades of orange and red in the autumn, the screen really enhances them. The off-set square also serves to draw the eye away from the fact that this garden is quite narrow, twice as long as it is wide.

The rest of the planting here hints at the orient, too.  As well as the acers – known as Japanese maples – we have fresh green bamboo and some clipped topiary that provide height as well as formality.

The other hard landscaping materials in this garden have a more subtle role to play, providing the canvas to the bright screen and the planting.  The mixed-size slab paving provides a solid base for tables or chairs and the pea gravel under the water feature subtly echoes a Zen gravel garden.

Talking of water features, many oriental gardens incorporate gentle water sounds as an aid to meditation.  The feature we have chosen here is actually a ready made one. It has a built-in reservoir to recycle its own water, so you don’t need to sit it over a reservoir trough, and you just need an external-grade electricity supply to power it. We have a selection of similar water features in the centre.

Find your inner calm in our Eastern-inspired garden and find out how you can take that feeling home to your own.

Or click on each Show Garden name below (or in the drop down menu above) to explore all our gardens.

Testimonials

Hambrooks

Testimonials

Tina Ellis 16/09/2024

Had our garden designed and installed by Hambrooks 23 years ago, barely ever pulled weeds since. Just topped up the pine nuggets over the top. Best investment!!

N. Haggard 20 September 2022

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say how delighted I am with my new garden.

Jon, my designer, listened to my ideas and delivered on everything I asked for. I wanted something different to any garden I’d had before, no lawn, no landscaping but packed with plants. He designed such a lovely secret garden, around a statement tree. And I have to commend him for his unwavering patience! I changed my mind a hundred times but never did he give me the impression that he was losing patience with my endless indecision. And my confidence in him led me to place an order for over £10k.

My landscaping team, Blade and Tony, were exceptional, from their work ethic, skill and knowledge, to the way they dealt with me, the customer. My standards are very high and I couldn’t fault them.

All in all, a very professional team of people. And it showed that they all care. I’m over the moon with the finished result. I will send you a before and after photo. Thank you so much.

A delighted customer.

G. Gray. May 2022

My front garden has been transformed by Andy and Bradley who both worked incredibly hard and I am delighted with the result. Andy had the vision and skill to turn my idea into reality and I can't thank him enough.

C. Haig Sept 2021

We recently had our garden landscaped by Hambrooks and I just wanted to pass on my thanks, not just for the outcome - which is superb - but for the professionalism of all the staff involved on the job who are all a credit to you company. Mike, Dave, Les and Adam.

H. Sharp Sept 2021

I just wanted to let you know how delighted I am with my new garden. Melanie was a delight to work with and the ideas she had have worked perfectly. Also Sheldon laid the patio beautifully and him and Dave were a pleaseure to have at my house. Quiet workers and polite.

B. Rendell April 2021

I would like to say how delighted we are with the work carried out. Mel, Paul and Tony all worked very hard, they totally took on board the specific need relating to safety as well as the general garden issues. Paul and Tony were excellent at consulting and discussing with me what I felt best in terms of the brief and adjusting if and as necessary, constantly pleasant and polite to deal with. Mel had picked up on particular issues from the first consultation and offered valuable advice. The outcome means a great deal less worry for me going forward.
Altogether a very positive experience and outcome which I would not hesitate to recommend to others.

Stephen March 2021

Dom and Adam's work (garden maintenance) is greatly appreciated. Dom really listened to everything we discussed very carefully and went out of his way to understand and then act upon that discussion. We are extremely pleased with the work done - both to the pond and pyracantha.

Marsha

We have been coming to Hambrooks for years and it's our favourite garden centre because of its friendly helpful staff and a great selection of plants and trees and the garden design ideas.

“We wanted to write and say how pleased we are with our low maintenance garden makeover. We are very impressed with the attitude of your staff who were prepared to listen to our requirements. Your team John and Rick brushed up and left everything tidy at the end of the day. We now have a garden we can manage and it looks great. THANK YOU HAMBROOKS.”

Mr & Mrs Venables, Southampton. April 2019

“Dear Josh & Mike We just want to say you both did a brilliant job of designing our garden along with the guys who did the work who were amazing. A few weeks on its looks even better now some of the plants are blooming. Thank you!!”
Read more...