Garden & Patio

We got more than we bargained for when we purchased our 1970s style property: we thought we had bought a small, somewhat overgrown garden - but found that the more we cleared, the more we found and the bigger the garden became. In the main photo (left) a 'rubbish dumping ground' and overgrown compost heap revealed, once cleared, a small side-patio, and a little rockery. We hope to have restored them to their former mid-century glory.
So whether a garden is big or small, or even it only consists of a patio or balcony, it is almost always possible to maximize the look of an outdoor space and make the most of what one has. A patio or balcony can in fact perfectly encapsulate the mid-century modern ideal of bringing the outdoors in, with just a few pots judiciously chosen and colourfully planted up. If there is room for a chair or two as well, better still. And if you are about to let an overgrown garden put you off that 'perfect' property think again: you may be surprised by how well it turns out if you put the effort in.

And just as mid-century modern is often about bringing the outdoors in, it is also about bringing the indoors out: think sleek concrete seating in a brutalist style, softened by thoughtful plantings or a contrasting coloured wall. Such a scheme can still suit a small garden as it can sit flush against a wall or in a corner. If your tastes veer more towards mid-century than mid-century modern, and you would like a splash of something colourful, you could go full-out 1970s with a fringed floral parasol and matching floral fabric patio chairs or sun-loungers. This can look smart rather than tacky as long as you go for a clean look and source an item which has not overly faded and is of good quality. Don't be too fearful: 1970s style is bang on trend right now!
if your property lends itself to it you could go very 1970s and add a touch of kitsch to your garden in the shape of gnomes on the rockery, a feature concrete toadstool, or even a wishing well. But before you embark upon such a venture, I must warn you that you will need to brace yourself against the disdainful looks which may be cast your way by those who just don't 'get' your mid-century garden project. So reserve this for a back garden rather than a front one, unless you live in a street of like-minded mid-century enthusiasts or gnome collectors. And before you proceed, bear in mind that there are gnomes... and then there are gnomes ! In this instance, it is essential to stick with the genuine 1970s kitsch classic and steer clear of the lamentable plastic versions which have cropped up of late, or the tacky crude versions which are to be found in second-rate shops (a very different thing from second-hand shops): these are the sort of thing which give genuine gnomes a bad name.
The way to go about it is to ensure that any kitsch elements are restricted to a small area rather than being allowed to dominate the property. In our case, the gnomes are positioned on a little rockery adjacent to a small patio (main photo), so they can only be seen from this part of the garden. Thus positioned, whilst adding an element of surprise when chanced upon, and being something of a talking point, they look surprisingly at home. So much so that my husband, who was one of those very individuals mentioned who 'didn't get' my 1970s garden project, recently asked me when we would be going back to buy a third gnome for the rockery from whence the others came. Trust me. They will grow on you. 

Back to the Fuchsia
I was never really a fan of fuchsia... until we moved to our current 1970s style home. Here we were amazed to discover dozens upon dozens of well-established fuchsia plants and as though this were not enough, full-blown bushes with dainty red dangly blooms bordering the front of the property.
This had evidently been the passion of the gentleman who lived at the house until his twilight years so, in spite of personal taste, it would have seemed very disrespectful to dig it all up, especially as we learned from neighbours how much he had loved his garden, and how much the fuchsias meant to him. Instead we tended and pruned and attempted appreciation...which came in due course.
   Now we like the fuchsia: it is a proud part of our frontage and in the back garden cascades obligingly over patio walls (see also photo gallery). It is part and parcel of our property and enhances its 1970s vibe. And it returns faithfully year after year, reminding us of the garden's late mid-century heritage.
The resultant tip? When inheriting a garden, it is important not to be rash about changes one wishes to make other than the obvious things like weeding, pruning and mowing. The best plan is to bide one's time and observe it through the seasons and different weather conditions. Things will pop up which you didn't know were there; and things which you might not personally choose, might win you over simply because they truly suit the property and the space they are in.
   As for the fuchsia: it is every bit the 1970s poster plant, having been very popular at that time and indeed during the preceding mid-century years; and if it fell slightly out of favour in more recent decades, maybe it too, is due a revival any time soon. So if you are planning a mid-century garden today, perhaps it is time to go back to the fuchsia. We highly recommend it.

Tips & Ideas

For instant mid-century garden appeal, include popular mid-century plants and flowers reminiscent of 60s and 70s bright florals like: daisies, gerbera, bright orange and yellow hellenium and zinnia. Include irises and peonies and fuchsias of course and the sculptural forms of white hardy calla lilies (see gallery photo) simply shout 'mid-century modern' and form a very striking display in semi-shaded positions, their splendid crisp whiteness contrasting against a dark green backdrop.
Add mid-century styles pots to the patio as both useful and statement pieces: position especially thoughtfully if they can be seen from the interior too and take this into account when choosing. You can go either way with this: vintage and homely with the traditional terracotta pots of old perhaps interspersed with Orla Kiely and suchlike; or sleek mid-century modern concrete planters jollied with brightly coloured plantings in blocks of colour.
If you have enough space at your frontage, consider a truly mid century modern statement in the shape of a specimen conifer (disclaimer: best not to go for one which will grow excessively large or which will block sunlight, and plant sufficiently away from the property to avoid any problem with roots!); a simple Norway spruce is just as effective - why not buy a potted Christmas tree this year instead of a cut tree and plant in the garden? It will give your property year-round mid-century modern kerbside appeal, and at Christmas you can add coloured lights.
Paint over ugly breeze block walls for a sleek makeover: some simple prep work will ensure the paint doesn't peel: (i) lightly wash & remove any obvious moss etc. (ii) add a masonry stabilizer or outdoor sealant (it's very runny so be careful with it): diligence will pay off here, so make sure it goes into every nook and cranny and stipple it into any porous surfaces and leave to dry. (iii) Apply two coats of outdoor masonry paint in the colour of your choice ( be sure of dry -but ideally not too hot - weather before commencing) and sufficient drying time between coats. Go for stone and concrete colours, or if you think the space can take it, how about something really bonkers like a 'Deep Space Blue' feature wall: a popular latter mid-century colour (Little & Greene) and very 1970s!
Place plenty of bird feeders in your garden in positions where the birds will feel unthreatened such as in trees or near shrubbery yet visible enough for you to enjoy the sight of them. The slatted fence in our gallery picture below is home to many different feeders and is near the bird bath, all of which can be seen from the patio, and from inside the house through a large patio window. It's really fascinating to see just how many different types of birds frequent at different times of the year and if you have children, a lovely way of getting them interested in nature and caring about wild animals.
Waterbutts are an extremely important element (especially if, like us, you have rhododendrons which loathe tap water but need to be prevented from drying out during hot weather); however, they can sometimes spoil the 'garden experience' by encouraging mosquitoes: a trick which seems to work is to add a little vegetable oil to the waterbutt: the oil will rise to the surface where it creates a film which discourages mosquitoes from breeding, yet does not affect the water drawn off from the bottom.
The principle of Re-Cycling and Re-Purposing (see also Tips & Re-Purposing) can be employed to particularly good effect in the garden, starting with the obvious one of composting garden cuttings, leaves, rabbit-hutch clean-outs, and anything compostable which doesn't go out with the weekly compost collection (and over time saving money on buying compost for the garden). Think rusty wheelbarrows with holes in planted up with changing displays for the garden year, or perhaps vintage milk churns forming a decorative element to a mid-century modern patio scene.
Our garden fence was covered in substantial hooks which had been used by the previous owner to suspend baskets filled with fuchsias from: not into hanging baskets and finding sufficient fuchsia within the garden grounds, we found these an ideal place to hang our various bird feeders. In the photo on the right, a scruffy twin-trunked conifer was yet the ideal location for an additional peanut feeder which proved attractive to woodpeckers...

Gnome on small rockery garden with dwarf rhododendron and some bluebells which escaped the adjacent hedgerow.

Feed the Birds

When Opportunity Knocks...Greater spotted woodpecker baby beneath our peanut feeder, recognizable by red crown and slightly dirty pink lower tummy (referred to as 'pants'!) being fed by dad woodpecker (Adult male has bright red pants and nape of neck; female is identical without red nape)

The whole woodpecker family was seen the previous day at the foot of the fir tree, climbing the tree & then eating from the feeder. They live in the oak tree on the boundary of our garden...

What we have done so far:

Tackled garden in 'portions' - clearing side patio first: cleaned, sealed and painted walls to create usable outdoor space. Positioned concrete- colour powder-coated patio furniture (Ikea) so as to link newly converted garage (Office) with direct access to the garden and matching it in decor style. [NOTE: OFFICE/GARAGE CONVERSION PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION! ]
Weeded & dug over rockery, leaving useful ground cover and stabilizing plants like wild strawberries which look great when in flower, and better still when the tiny strawberries ripen. Devon hedge adjacent to patio lends itself to 'wild flower' type garden, so along with hedgerow and wild strawberries we have encouraged primroses & bluebells here; between hedgerow and rockery we have let the celandine spread along the bank as they look lovely in the spring sun; some consider them invasive, but concrete steps & paths ensure they don't spread to lawn and other parts of garden & they suit the 'wild' nature of this part of the garden.
Added dwarf rhododendrons to the rockery with plenty of ericaceous compost. Rockery is partially shaded from behind by oak tree, but gets morning sun from front.
Put in large rocks, miniature conifers & found some gnomes for rockery
Scruffy, empty beds next to patio planted up with (i) miniature herb garden (ii) specimen rhododendron - to offer both screening and privacy from road (+ brilliant burst of colour in late spring (rhododendron) and spring/summer (herb garden).
Neatened up front lawn & planted in centre magnolia tree from previous garden (as this particular one had been a mother's day present)
Clearing the messy side area adjacent to the front drive improved the frontage aspect enormously. We used the opportunity to make some mid-century impact by planting out a large Christmas tree, liberating it from its hitherto potted life, and several other specimen conifers which we had fun collecting over a period of two years (coming soon in gallery). Scattered between are tete-a-tete daffodils, wild primroses & impressive hardy calla (large funnel flowers)
Patio No. 2 ( main patio) was up next (see photo gallery below): we dug up a section of the patio slabs, added ericaceous compost and planted a favourite rhododendron here (rhododendron fragrantissiumum) - unusual in that it is also fragrant, so placing it on patio for full benefit.
An old tree stump on back lawn left an unsightly mound which was impossible to level or disguise short of digging up entire thing (was a Sycamore tree, so roots spread to a large area). The solution: it was exactly the right spot for positioning our much-loved stone birdbath; it sits perfectly in situ, birds are often to be seen splashing about or drinking here (on their way to and from the bird feeders hanging on the boundary fence). The mound doesn't look out of place now and could almost have been made for the bird bath.
General clearing & shaping of hedgerow in which we discovered a surprising variety of shrubs and trees including pieris, pittosporum, tree Hebes & a rather marvellous butterfly bush (being a very deep magenta).
Began the fun part, collecting various shrubs and bulbs from our local garden centre and beginning to fill in gaps here and there (favourite flowers we have planted have been peonies, hydrangea and a lilac/violet coloured rose)
Removed several old mosquito-infested stinky waterbuts and replaced with new ones positioned in more user-friendly spaces.
Painted charming old timber shed and lined interior walls with newspaper articles dating from 60s and 70s.
Cleared run-down lean-to greenhouse, laying neat slabs on half the floor and planting orange trees in earth filled area to create a tiny orangerie.
Released a second, smaller Christmas tree, from its pot and planted at front of house to add to mid-century appeal of frontage (at least it will once it has grown a bit!)

Yet to do:

Improve moss-covered back lawn which also suffered terribly from this 2018 heatwave/drought.
Finish cleaning, sealing & painting exterior walls ( a considerable area as rear garden sits on slope behind retaining walls & steps)
Finish planting up gaps in tired old rose garden ( have begun to establish with peonies & hydrangea)
More bulbs for spring impact in front of garden & further general bulb and perennial plantings
Re-tarmac front parking spaces and create small mid-century style wall between front drive and side conifer garden (all on small scale).
General maintenance, improvements and plantings

mid-century style patio, Ikea brown powder coated patio furniture

mid-century garden style, 1970s gnome, 1970s rockery

calla lilies and conifer garden, mid-century garden ideas

Garden & Patio

Feed the Birds

Kitsch Garden