Natural Retreat Cranley Gardens in Muswell Hill
Our landscaping company was commissioned to transform an overgrown back garden in Muswell Hill, London N10 into a peaceful, low-maintenance sanctuary that supports wildlife.
The client’s brief was to create a garden that not only attracts wildlife, but creates space for exercising and socialising around a firepit.
Inspired by organic shapes and sculptural flow, the garden now features a clay paver terrace, a wildflower meadow, gravel paths, and a secluded fire pit area.
Carefully chosen plants and wildlife features support birds, bees and pollinators year-round.
From the materials to the layout, every element was designed to enhance both the biodiversity and liveability of the space, making this North London garden a peaceful sanctuary for people and nature alike.
Complete Garden Clearance
The site was heavily overgrown, making the garden difficult to access or enjoy. Our team carried out a full clearance, removing dense vegetation and unwanted growth to reveal the space’s true potential. This vital first step laid the foundation for a fresh design.
Natural Landscaping Materials
Clay pavers and self-binding gravel create practical, low-maintenance surfaces with a timeless feel. These breathable, natural finishes reduce runoff and soften the garden’s look, while the pavers subtly echo the interior palette for a cohesive flow.
Thoughtful Wildlife Features
The garden design supports local biodiversity with a shallow wildlife pond, bee posts, compost bins and wildflower turf. These features help attract beneficial insects, birds and small mammals, turning the garden into a living ecosystem.
Cohesive Perennial Planting
Woodland-style planting brings depth, softness and seasonal colour. A palette of greens, whites, and soft blues ensures calm, with layered textures from ferns, perennials, and multi-stem trees providing structure and visual interest throughout every season.
Sculptural Garden Shape
The garden’s shape was inspired by a Barbara Hepworth sculpture, adding elegance and a sense of flow to the layout. The inclusion of the client’s favourite plants, like Rosa ‘Generous Gardener’, gives the space an emotional connection and personal meaning.
Cosy Fire Pit
A timber bench encircles the fire pit, offering a cosy destination at the far end of the garden. Framed by arches and soft planting, it’s a peaceful spot to gather with friends, unwind in the evening, or enjoy nature in comfort all year round, especially in winter.
This project is a fantastic example of what our in-house team can achieve — thoughtful design brought to life with precision and care. I’m incredibly proud of how our construction and planting teams collaborated to deliver a garden that’s not only beautiful but also rich in biodiversity and personal meaning. It reflects everything we stand for at Acacia Gardens thoughtful design, sustainability, and spaces that truly enhance people’s lives.
Emma Appleby
Garden and Landscape Designer
Contact Details
London Office
Phone: 020 8800 3866
Email: info@acacia-gardens.co.uk
Acacia Gardens Ltd, Garden Office,
483 Green Lanes, London N13 4BS
Hertfordshire Office
5 Rowlatt Drive, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 4NA
Company Details
Acacia Gardens Limited
Registered in England and Wales under company no: 7402001, VAT Reg: 137 7386 82
Registered office: Southgate Office Village, 286B Chase Road, London N14 6HF
Opening Times
Monday 8:00AM – 6:00PM
Tuesday 8:00AM – 6:00PM
Wednesday 8:00AM – 6:00PM
Thursday 8:00AM – 6:00PM
Friday 8:00AM – 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday ClosedSign up to our Newsletter