When it comes to creating outdoor spaces that blend functionality with modern aesthetics, few projects capture the essence as beautifully as this one. Nestled in the picturesque New Forest, this garden transformation is a collaboration between Neil Jones Garden Design, Aurum Hortis Landscaping, and us at Forest Stone. The result? A stunning modern garden that’s all about clean lines, thoughtful design, premium materials and lifestyle-focused outdoor living.
In this blog, we’ll take you behind the scenes of this exciting project, sharing insights from our on-site chat with Joe Irving of Aurum Hortis. From the choice of materials to the challenges of winter landscaping, we’ll explore how this garden is coming to life – and why it’s set to be a showstopper.
The Vision: Clean Lines and Modern Living
Neil Jones’ design for this garden is a masterclass in modern landscape design. The brief was clear: create a space that works seamlessly with the homeowners’ lifestyle. The result is a garden that features clean geometric lines, large-format porcelain paving, and a layout that’s as practical as it is beautiful.
The design includes:
- A spacious paved terrace using our 1m x 1m Newtown Beige Porcelain tiles.
- Large format clay pavers.
- Two lush lawns for family play and relaxation.
- A sleek garden room for year-round use.
- A calming water feature and low-level raised beds.
- Trees strategically placed around the perimeter for privacy and screening.
As our Craig explained, “Neil’s designs are all about modern living. He wraps the garden around the lifestyle of the people who live there.” This garden is no exception, with every element carefully considered to enhance the homeowners’ day-to-day life.
Why Winter is the Perfect Time for Landscaping
One of the most interesting parts of our conversation with Joe was his take on timing. While many people shy away from garden projects in the winter, Joe argues that it’s actually the ideal time to get started.
“In the summer, you want to be using your garden, not watching it being dug up,” he said. “If you’ve got a 10-week project, you could end up sacrificing your whole summer. In the winter, it might be a bit messier, but you’ll be ready to enjoy your garden as soon as spring arrives.”
This project kicked off in January, the video was filmed in early February, taking advantage of a rare dry spell in an otherwise wet winter. Joe and his team have been working tirelessly to ensure the garden is ready for the warmer months, proving that winter landscaping is not only possible but often the smarter choice.
The Power of Large-Format Porcelain Paving
At the heart of this garden’s modern aesthetic is the use of large-format porcelain tiles. Neil Jones chose Forest Stone’s Newtown Beige Porcelain for its warm colour tone, clean, contemporary look and durability.
Joe shared his experience working with the tiles: “They cut really nicely for porcelain. A lot of people get scared of cutting porcelain because cheaper options can be chippy, but these are great to work with. We’re cutting them with a petrol saw, and they’re holding up beautifully.”
The 1m x 1m tiles are being laid in a stack bond pattern, emphasizing the garden’s clean lines and complementing the property’s modern architecture. As Joe pointed out, “You want those clean lines, especially with a house like this where everything is very geometric.”
From Bland to Beautiful: The Garden’s Transformation
Before this project, the garden was a typical developer-style space: a large L-shaped lawn, a basic rustic sandstone patio, and a dilapidated shed. As Joe described it, “It was usable, but not thought out. Just paving and lawn – the kind of thing you see in most family homes. Definitely a lot of unrealised potential there”
The transformation has been dramatic. The old patio and shed are gone, replaced with a sleek, modern design that maximizes both style and functionality. The new layout includes split lawns, a garden room, and a covered metal pergola area with screens for added privacy.
One of the standout features is the raised bed, which will be rendered and topped with the same Newtown Beige Porcelain tiles as a coping. “It’s going to look really good,” Joe said. “We’re also keeping some of the existing plants, like the olive tree and the acer, to minimize waste and maintain a connection to the garden’s past.”
What’s Next for This Project?
As of now, the team is on track to finish the garden by mid-March, weather permitting. Once the paving is laid and the final touches are added, the space will be ready for the homeowners to enjoy as soon as spring arrives.
We’ll be returning to the site in a few months to film the finished garden and chat with Neil Jones about the design process. It’s a project we’re incredibly excited about, and we can’t wait to share the final result with you.
Why Choose Large-Format Porcelain for Your Garden?
If this project has inspired you to rethink your outdoor space, here are a few reasons why large-format porcelain tiles might be the perfect choice:
- Modern Aesthetic: The clean lines and minimal joints create a sleek, contemporary look.
- Durability: Porcelain is resistant to staining, frost, and wear, making it ideal for outdoor use.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike natural stone, porcelain doesn’t require sealing and is easy to clean.
- Versatility: Available in a range of colors and finishes, porcelain can suit any design style.
At Forest Stone, we’re proud to supply high-quality porcelain paving like the Newtown Beige used in this project. Whether you’re planning a complete garden overhaul or a simple patio refresh, we’ve got the materials to bring your vision to life.
Final Thoughts
This garden transformation is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and collaboration. From Neil Jones’ vision to Joe Irving’s craftsmanship and the quality of Forest Stone’s materials, every element has come together to create a space that’s both beautiful and functional.
We’ll be back with more updates soon, so stay tuned for the final reveal. In the meantime, if you’re inspired to start your own garden project, don’t let the winter weather hold you back. As Joe says, “The end result is going to be the same – and you’ll be ready to enjoy it when you actually want to.”
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below – what’s your favourite part of this modern garden design? And if you’re planning a project of your own, we’d love to hear about it! 🌿✨
