CLOUD 9 KITCHEN GARDEN

Designed by Michael John McGarr, this garden is perfect for those who enjoy spending time eating outdoors. Offering the perfect blend of style, practicality and biodiversity, it’s been thoughtfully designed for al fresco dining, cooking, harvesting and entertaining with the space being totally transformed into a fully functional outdoor room.

The kitchen area combines cedar wood, chosen for its durability and ability to weather beautifully over time while retaining its strength, with elegant limestone worktops. A built-in BBQ, fridge, sink and tap provide everything needed for outdoor food preparation, while miniature herb planters keep fresh ingredients within easy reach of the dining table.

Wildlife and biodiversity are central to the design as is true of all Michael’s work. The feature wall to the right is constructed from a variety of natural materials, creating habitats for insects and pollinators to shelter and thrive.

The pagoda structure is both striking and highly functional. Its upper level supports strawberry planting, allowing the fruit to benefit from maximum sunlight while remaining protected from slugs. Cleverly designed channels surrounding the planters collect rainwater and direct it down to nourish the moisture-loving grasses below.

The bold, colourful feature wall at the far end also conceals several thoughtful details. Small openings at its base create a wildlife corridor for creatures such as hedgehogs, while discreetly hidden behind the wall is a practical storage area for waste and recycling bins.

Completing the design, a generous planting border beneath the insect wall delivers dramatic colour, texture and fragrance.