Mediterranean Courtyard in Normanton le Heath, Leicestershire

From Courtyard to Sun-Soaked Sanctuary

Some gardens have good bones. As a former farm courtyard, this one had brick walls, thick concrete slabs and not much else.

The space behind this beautiful Leicestershire barn conversion had been neglected and gravelled over (see below), but new windows and doors were going in, which meant this sunny, sheltered spot would be on full display from inside the house.

The owners wanted a space where they could entertain, with a Mediterranean feel and planting that would look good for as long as possible throughout the year. But the deep concrete slabs weren’t going anywhere without serious cost, so we worked with what was there, adjusting the layout to balance hard surfaces with generous planting areas. 

What We Did

We used large-format porcelain paving to create a patio and to give flow and interest, punctuated by clay pavers and gravel. Feature olive trees anchor the space and give it that sun-drenched feeling our clients were looking for, while the planting does some heavy lifting throughout the seasons.

We chose soft, textural plants to take the edge off all that hard paving and the solid courtyard walls. Lavender and thyme add scent and structure. Stachys byzantina brings silvery softness. Salvia ‘Caradonna’ offers spikes of deep purple, whilst Hydrangea ‘Limelight’ and Veronicastrum keep things interesting into late summer and autumn.

We’ve also planted spring bulbs for early spring/summer colour that’s stretched the season of interest right back to February and March.

Lighting throughout the garden means the space works just as well after dark – it’s perfect for summer evenings that stretch late into the night.

The result is a space that feels relaxed and generous but also intimate – a proper outdoor room rather than a leftover bit of yard.

What Happened Next?

The owners are delighted, and we’re now working on other areas around the house with them – always a good sign.

As they put it: “So happy with this transformation, Anna and her team are amazing, the new garden is our sanctuary, feels like an extension on the house! Can’t wait to see what we do next.“

If you’ve got an unloved space that’s crying out for attention, get in touch. We’re good at making tricky spots work harder.

Landscaping: Craig Blain & Son Landscaping
Design & Planting: Lush Garden Design