A Naturalistic Garden in Beaconsfield, Brushed with Barragán's Palette 

A Bold Beginning 

Using bold colour in a garden can seem daring, but put together with care and with the right blend of inspiration, texture, planting and hard landscaping, it can be incredibly effective. 

In this Beaconsfield garden, the client wanted something completely different from your usual domestic garden—something expressive, imaginative, and painterly. . Their brief was for the garden to resemble an impressionist painting—slightly wild and immersive, with enough structure to keep it grounded. 

The colours on the walls in the gravel garden were inspired by the renowned Mexican architect Luis Barragán, celebrated for his masterful use of colour, light, and emotion in architectural spaces. Known for painting walls in rich pinks, yellows, ochres, and cobalt blues, Barragán approached architecture much like a painter approaches canvas—layering bold surfaces with atmosphere and serenity. 

Bold enough to embrace the Barragán spirit, our clients opted for strong colour-washed walls to provide the same sense of drama, warmth and contrast found in his work 

Colour as Composition 

The painted walls immediately set the tone—transforming the gravel garden into a living artwork. Echoing Barragán's belief that colour has a direct emotional effect, these vibrant surfaces aren't just backdrops, they're protagonists in the scene. They frame the planting, catch shifting light, and draw the eye through the space in a way that feels cinematic. 

Soft Wildness, Gently Contained 

In contrast to the bold walls, the planting is naturalistic and loose—feathery grasses, gentle swathes of perennials, and a feeling of spontaneity. But it's not without order: clipped topiary balls and hedging act like punctuation marks throughout, offering a sense of rhythm and sculptural form. It's a dance between wild and formal, echoing the client's wish for a garden that felt expressive but not chaotic. 

An Impressionist's Eye 

From certain angles, the garden reads like a Monet canvas—dappled textures, shifting hues, and layers of soft planting bleeding into one another. There's a subtle energy to the whole composition, but also quietness. It's a space to be felt as much as seen—just as Barragán intended his buildings to be experienced. 

A Garden That Dares 

This is not a garden that plays it safe. It's bold, evocative, and entirely individual. By channelling the spirit of Luis Barragán, the client has created something timelessly artistic: a garden that dares to be expressive, yet remains firmly rooted in nature 

From Vision to Reality 

Ultimately, this was a garden born from the client's bold and imaginative vision—brought to life through our creative spark, thoughtful design, and deep understanding of how colour, form and planting can shape atmosphere. It's a space that reflects personality, emotion, and a willingness to do things differently. If you're ready to embark on your own garden journey, we'd love to help you shape something extraordinary. 

To see more images of this beautiful garden visit the portfolio here.

CGLA are an award winning team of Garden Designers, Landscape Architects, Landscapers and Garden Maintenance Operatives working in Buckinghamshire, London and the South East, as well as on prestigious design projects across the UK and abroad. We are currently working in Oman, Jersey and France, and welcome enquires for design, landscaping or garden maintenance. Contact us here