'A low-effort garden has changed how we live'

After maxing out on their home extension, Rachel and Daniel Constable revamped their outside space on a tight budget using salvaged materials

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Rachel and Daniel Constable bought their 1930s bungalow in East Yorkshire from Daniel’s grandmother, and the garden left much to be desired. “The garden had previously been lovely, but as she got older, Daniel’s gran had taken lots of planting out to make it easier to maintain,’ recalls Rachel. ‘It was basically a flat, uninspiring space with outbuildings, sheds, lots of grass and concrete but not many plants or flowers.’

Rubble and debris from 18 months of building work, which included a rear extension and loft conversion, had also damaged the space. With their home finally finished and two teenagers in tow, the Constables were ready to reclaim the generous 16m x 35m garden and turn it into something beautiful, sustainable, and fit for modern family life.

The couple had a strong vision from the outset, fuelled by Pinterest boards, magazine articles, and visits to National Trust properties where they admired the walled gardens. However, with their budget already spent on the house, they knew the garden transformation would have to be gradual and resourceful.

THE PROJECT

Sustainability and biodiversity were key drivers, as was making the garden lower maintenance and drought tolerant. ‘Daniel wanted as much grass as possible and I wanted as many plants as possible,’ says Rachel. ‘The lawn was also very boggy, so we felt more planting would take some of they have done most of the work themselves, the Constables brought in a professional to build the pergola from green oak, which has since silvered. ‘As we splurged on the pergola, we've managed to get other things cheaper,’ says Rachel.

MY GARDEN PLAN