A FAMILY RETREAT

Location: Countryside Nature Reserve, South Sweden

Plot size: 1 500 m2

Landscaped garden: 1 500 m2

Nestled on a Swedish island, this 1,500 m² garden was designed as a serene holiday escape for a young family. The vision: a beautiful, low-maintenance country garden that celebrates nature while offering spaces for play and relaxation.

Mature trees were carefully preserved, while berry shrubs were added for the children to forage. Instead of a traditional mown lawn, sweeping paths meander through natural grass, giving the garden a wild, effortless feel. Around the house, lush perennial borders bring softness and colour, framing the home in a natural embrace.

The layout flows through a series of informal ‘garden rooms’ – from shaded woodland and a playful children’s area to a sun-drenched pergola and welcoming new front entrance. A striking dry-stone wall weaves through the landscape, adding structure and a timeless, crafted element.

Planting was selected for resilience and beauty, with wind-tolerant shrubs and pollinator-friendly perennials that thrive in the Baltic’s brisk sea air. In shaded areas, texture and form take centre stage, creating a calm and layered atmosphere throughout the seasons.