Contemporary Norwich Garden

A Norwich Terraced Garden Tranformation

Creating a beautiful terraced garden in Norwich can feel impossible — but with the right design approach, even the most challenging sites can become extraordinary. This garden project is a perfect example. What began as a barren incline with no structure is now a thriving, multi‑level outdoor space filled with Mediterranean planting, seating areas, and year‑round interest.

If you’re looking for terraced garden ideas in Norwich or inspiration for transforming a sloped plot, this project shows what’s possible.

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The Initial Consultation: A Steep, Underused Norwich Garden

When I first met the clients in spring 2022, their Norwich city‑centre garden was little more than a steep, empty slope. At 5m wide and 20m long with a 1.7m drop, it offered very limited usable space.

Despite its challenges, the garden had huge potential — excellent sunlight, good drainage, and enough length to create multiple levels. A site survey using a Leica automatic laser level confirmed that terracing would be the key to unlocking the space.

The Design Brief

The clients’ requirements included;

• A raised decking area near the house for everyday seating and easy access
• A second, more relaxed seating area at the bottom of the garden to catch the evening sun
• Minimal lawn, but enough space for sunbathing and yoga
• Low‑maintenance, Mediterranean‑style planting suited to sunny, free‑draining conditions
• Raised beds for herbs and salad crops

I suggested incorporating a pond at one of the terrace levels, but the clients ultimately preferred to keep the space simpler.

The Layout Plan

To make the steep site functional, I divided the slope into three level terraces, linked by a gently winding path to encourage movement and create visual interest.

Key features included:

• A raised decking area leading down to a gravel seating space framed by raised beds
• Three terraced levels, each with its own purpose
• A west‑facing lower terrace with a seating area made from repurposed paving slabs
• An oval lawn edged with 3mm metal edging for a clean, contemporary finish
• An upper planting terrace dedicated entirely to shrubs and perennials
• Treated sleepers for retaining and steps, softened with reclaimed cobbles for character

The result was a structured, multi‑level layout that made the most of the site’s natural slope.

The Planting Plan

The planting scheme focused on year‑round interest, with a particular emphasis on winter scent and structure.

Winter‑flowering shrubs included:

• Lonicera fragrantissima
• Chimonanthus praecox
• Viburnum farreri and V. ‘Charles Lamont’
• Mahonia ‘Wintersun’
• Sarcococca confusa
• Fatsia japonica

For the rest of the year:

• Viburnum juddii, Philadelphus, Elaeagnus
• Evergreen structure from lavender, rosemary, Myrtus, Hebes, Phormiums
• Seasonal colour from Cornus ‘Midwinter Fire’
• Perennials and spring bulbs (alliums, tulips, daffodils) for layered interest

The palette was chosen for resilience, fragrance, and a relaxed Mediterranean feel.

The Installation Phase

My colleague Matt and I cleared the site, reclaimed usable cobbles, and began forming the terraces. Sleepers and steps were installed to define the levels, with cobbles arranged around the transitions to soften the hard landscaping.

For the path and lower seating area, we laid a compacted Type 2 hardcore base topped with gravel. The oval lawn was shaped, edged, and left to settle before turfing to ensure a smooth finish.

Planting followed a structured order: trees and shrubs first, then gravel mulch, and finally perennials. Budget adjustments meant reducing the number of plants slightly, but the overall design integrity remained strong.

One Year On

Returning a year later was incredibly rewarding. The terraces had settled beautifully, the Mediterranean planting had filled out, and the clients were happily enjoying their garden, from sunbathing on the lawn, to enjoying drinks with friends in the evening sun.

This project shows how a Norwich terraced garden can be both practical and beautiful, even on a steep slope. With thoughtful design and the right planting, challenging sites can become the most inspiring.

Contact me for your own garden design and build

Would you like your own garden transformed into a Mediterranean style garden, or maybe you prefer a Classic English garden. Perhaps you prefer a contemporary Arts and Crafts garden, or maybe you have a shady garden or unsightly front garden.

Please contact me today for a consultation and quote whatever your garden requirements. Other inhouse skills include laying patios, steps, erecting pergolas, building raised beds and installing ponds and water features.