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Chalklands Garden: A Modern Family Retreat

A Stylish and Functional Garden Design in Howe Green, Blending Luxury with Practicality for a Young Family
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Creating a Versatile Oasis in Howe Green

The Chalklands Garden in Howe Green, Essex, marks a milestone as the first full design-and-build project completed by Rose Hill Luxury Gardens after opening in 2019. Designed for a busy young family, this luxury garden design offers a multifunctional space that evolves with their lifestyle.

With a full outdoor kitchen, raised lounge terrace, sunken fire pit, contemporary water feature, large lawn, black-painted fencing, feature planting, and subtle lighting, this garden combines elegance, relaxation, and family enjoyment.

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Key Features of The Brentwood Family Garden

Full Outdoor Kitchen

Full Outdoor Kitchen

Equipped with a built-in BBQ, fridge, storage, and bottle cooler, perfect for entertaining.

Raised Lounge Terrace

Raised Lounge Terrace

Features rattan daybeds and integrated planters for a stylish relaxation area.

Sunken Fire Pit Area

Sunken Fire Pit Area

Includes curved seating and concealed lighting, creating a cosy evening space.

Contemporary Cascading Water Feature

Contemporary Cascading Water Feature

Built into a stone-clad wall, adding a calming focal point.

Large Flowing Lawn Area

Large Flowing Lawn Area

Designed for play and open use, ideal for family activities.

Black-Painted Fence with Pleached Trees

Black-Painted Fence with Pleached Trees

Ensures privacy whilst adding a modern aesthetic.

Feature Planting

Feature Planting

Evergreen structure with seasonal accents for year-round appeal.

Subtle, Integrated Lighting

Subtle, Integrated Lighting

Enhances nighttime ambience throughout the garden.

The Chalklands Garden Journey

The Brief

A young, busy family in Howe Green, Essex, approached Rose Hill Luxury Gardens to create a stylish yet highly functional garden that could evolve with their family’s needs.

They wanted distinct zones for cooking, lounging, dining, and playing, with a focus on low maintenance and longevity. Privacy from neighbours was essential, as were standout features to enhance the property’s value and daily life, ensuring a luxurious and calm space with smart zoning and clean lines.

The Solution

Rose Hill Luxury Gardens designed clean, flowing transitions using wide porcelain steps and level changes to address the sloped lawn. Pleached trees were introduced to add height without sacrificing depth, whilst a black-painted fence provided privacy.

The garden features a full outdoor kitchen and raised lounge terrace with rattan daybeds to separate social spaces. A sunken fire pit, cascading water feature, and high-quality materials like pale stone unified the design, complemented by thoughtful lighting and structured planting for round-the-clock appeal.

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The Challenges

The sloped lawn required careful hardscaping and level transitions to ensure usability without compromising aesthetics. Maximising functionality without overcomplicating the layout was key, given the multiple zones for cooking, lounging, and play.

Creating cohesion between bold materials like black fencing and pale stone posed a challenge, but Rose Hill’s team achieved a seamless look through linear design, high-quality materials, and meticulous planning, ensuring a visually unified and luxurious result.

The Outcome

The Chalklands Garden is now a modern family retreat that the family enjoys daily. The large lawn is perfect for children’s play, whilst the outdoor kitchen and sunken fire pit have become go-to spots for entertaining.

The raised lounge terrace offers a stylish relaxation area, and the water feature adds a calming touch. With its low-maintenance planting and elegant design, this garden remains a standout in Rose Hill’s portfolio of luxury garden designs in Howe Green and across Essex.

Kelly

We had Tommy and his team at our property for 6 months doing a massive renovation of the garden. Throughout their time with us they were professional, friendly and meticulous. I would highly recommend Tommy and his team for any garden projects you have. Tommy and Rea understood what we wanted and turned all of our ideas into reality.

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Begin Your Luxury Garden Journey

Begin Your Luxury Garden Journey
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Step 1
Book your complimentary consultation with Tommy – a relaxed chat to explore your ideas and give you a feel for our design process.
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Step 2
Sit back and relax while we design your dream garden and create a comprehensive plan just for you
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Step 3
We’ll present the garden we’ve designed for you and chat through the exciting next step… the build!
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Cheers to an amazing summer! 🥂

What a summer it’s been… We hope you’ve all survived the heat! We have to say, it’s rather nice to finally see a little green returning to the lawns!

It’s been a busy few months here at Rose Hill Luxury Gardens. Rea has spent much of the summer making some wonderful memories with the children during their school holidays, but with September here, it’s very much back to business and there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.

Rea is currently designing our 2027 RHS Chelsea Flower Show trade garden for our longstanding clients @rhinogreenhouses, and we are incredibly excited about where this one is heading. We don’t want to give too much away just yet, but we think it’s going to be a trade garden to remember… watch this space.

And that’s not all for Chelsea…

Rea has also been quietly working away behind the scenes on another very exciting Chelsea Flower Show project. We can’t reveal too much just yet, but hopefully it won’t be long before we can share more.

Meanwhile, Tommy has been busy managing the teams across our current projects in Dunmow, Chigwell and Chelmsford, with plenty of construction happening and some beautiful gardens beginning to take shape.

We’ve also got a number of new design consultations booked in over the coming weeks, so it really is all go!

We say it every year, but autumn really is one of the best times to start redesigning your garden. Having the build take place through the cooler months, when you’re naturally using the garden less, is far more practical and means everything can be beautifully designed, built and planted ready to enjoy when spring arrives.

We still have availability to take on a couple more design & build projects this year, so if you’ve been thinking about transforming your outdoor space, now is the perfect time to get the process started.

We’d love to help you create your dream garden.

#RoseHillLuxuryGardens #GardenDesign #LuxuryGardenDesign #EssexLandscaping #ChelseaFlowerShow

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Cheers to an amazing summer! 🥂 What a summer it’s been… We hope you’ve all survived the heat! We have to say, it’s rather nice to finally see a little green returning to the lawns! It’s been a busy few months here at Rose Hill Luxury Gardens. Rea has spent much of the summer making some wonderful memories with the children during their school holidays, but with September here, it’s very much back to business and there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. Rea is currently designing our 2027 RHS Chelsea Flower Show trade garden for our longstanding clients @rhinogreenhouses, and we are incredibly excited about where this one is heading. We don’t want to give too much away just yet, but we think it’s going to be a trade garden to remember… watch this space. And that’s not all for Chelsea… Rea has also been quietly working away behind the scenes on another very exciting Chelsea Flower Show project. We can’t reveal too much just yet, but hopefully it won’t be long before we can share more. Meanwhile, Tommy has been busy managing the teams across our current projects in Dunmow, Chigwell and Chelmsford, with plenty of construction happening and some beautiful gardens beginning to take shape. We’ve also got a number of new design consultations booked in over the coming weeks, so it really is all go! We say it every year, but autumn really is one of the best times to start redesigning your garden. Having the build take place through the cooler months, when you’re naturally using the garden less, is far more practical and means everything can be beautifully designed, built and planted ready to enjoy when spring arrives. We still have availability to take on a couple more design & build projects this year, so if you’ve been thinking about transforming your outdoor space, now is the perfect time to get the process started. We’d love to help you create your dream garden. #RoseHillLuxuryGardens #GardenDesign #LuxuryGardenDesign #EssexLandscaping #ChelseaFlowerShow

The front garden sets the tone before you even get to the door. Get it right and it changes how the whole property feels.

Our latest blog covers front garden and driveway design ideas for Essex homes: surfaces, planting, boundary treatment, and lighting that work together as a proper entrance, not just a place to park.

Link in bio.

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The front garden sets the tone before you even get to the door. Get it right and it changes how the whole property feels. Our latest blog covers front garden and driveway design ideas for Essex homes: surfaces, planting, boundary treatment, and lighting that work together as a proper entrance, not just a place to park. Link in bio.

What makes a garden feel truly luxurious? It`s not one thing. It`s the coherence of
every decision, from the materials underfoot to the quality of light on the terrace after dark.

Our latest blog covers luxury garden ideas and inspiration for Essex homes, including the elements we come back to on every high-specification project we design and build.

Link in bio.

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Open post by rosehillluxurygardens with ID 18186977296400793
What makes a garden feel truly luxurious? It's not one thing. It's the coherence of every decision, from the materials underfoot to the quality of light on the terrace after dark. Our latest blog covers luxury garden ideas and inspiration for Essex homes, including the elements we come back to on every high-specification project we design and build. Link in bio.

Well… this was a lovely surprise! 🏆🏆

We are incredibly proud to share that Rose Hill Luxury Gardens has been named Family Business of the Year AND Most Innovative Family Business at the 2026 Essex Business Awards!

When we started Rose Hill, it was simply the two of us with an idea, a lot of ambition and a vision for creating something a little different.

Fast forward to today and we have an amazing team around us, have created gardens for some wonderful clients, worked at some of the biggest RHS garden shows in the country and somehow managed to juggle building a business alongside raising our little family!

Like any family business, there have been plenty of long days, late nights, challenges, risks and moments where work and family life completely blur into one… which makes receiving these two awards feel even more special.

We’re incredibly proud of how far Rose Hill has come, but also very aware that we couldn’t have done it without our brilliant team, our clients who trust us with their gardens, and everyone who has supported us along the way.

Family Business of the Year 2026 🏆
Most Innovative Family Business 2026 🏆

A very proud moment for us both — and another little milestone in the Rose Hill story.

Tommy & Rea x

Thank you @BusinessAwardsUK!

#BusinessAwardsUK #EssexBusinessAwards #FamilyBusiness #FamilyBusinessOfTheYear #EssexBusiness

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Open post by rosehillluxurygardens with ID 18106255034587152
Well… this was a lovely surprise! 🏆🏆 We are incredibly proud to share that Rose Hill Luxury Gardens has been named Family Business of the Year AND Most Innovative Family Business at the 2026 Essex Business Awards! When we started Rose Hill, it was simply the two of us with an idea, a lot of ambition and a vision for creating something a little different. Fast forward to today and we have an amazing team around us, have created gardens for some wonderful clients, worked at some of the biggest RHS garden shows in the country and somehow managed to juggle building a business alongside raising our little family! Like any family business, there have been plenty of long days, late nights, challenges, risks and moments where work and family life completely blur into one… which makes receiving these two awards feel even more special. We’re incredibly proud of how far Rose Hill has come, but also very aware that we couldn’t have done it without our brilliant team, our clients who trust us with their gardens, and everyone who has supported us along the way. Family Business of the Year 2026 🏆 Most Innovative Family Business 2026 🏆 A very proud moment for us both — and another little milestone in the Rose Hill story. Tommy & Rea x Thank you @BusinessAwardsUK! #BusinessAwardsUK #EssexBusinessAwards #FamilyBusiness #FamilyBusinessOfTheYear #EssexBusiness

What a way to end the flower show season — with another 5 stars! 🌟

This will be our 7th show achieving the highest award, and we couldn’t be prouder. Such an incredible achievement and a true testament to all the hard work, passion, and dedication that goes into every garden we design.

Thank you to our wonderful clients @rhinogreenhouses

Now it’s time to head off to Greece to enjoy some much-needed quality time with the family and recharge the batteries. 🇬🇷☀️

#rhs
#SandringhamFlowerShow
#gardendesigner #GardenDesign #awardwinning

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Open post by rosehillluxurygardens with ID 18170815618439612
What a way to end the flower show season — with another 5 stars! 🌟 This will be our 7th show achieving the highest award, and we couldn’t be prouder. Such an incredible achievement and a true testament to all the hard work, passion, and dedication that goes into every garden we design. Thank you to our wonderful clients @rhinogreenhouses Now it’s time to head off to Greece to enjoy some much-needed quality time with the family and recharge the batteries. 🇬🇷☀️ #rhs #SandringhamFlowerShow #gardendesigner #GardenDesign #awardwinning

A garden you avoid during a heatwave isn’t working hard enough for you. ☀️

Thoughtful planting, shaded pergolas and water features can create cooler, more comfortable spaces when temperatures rise—all without sacrificing beautiful design.

Link in bio.

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Open post by rosehillluxurygardens with ID 17908142886449963
A garden you avoid during a heatwave isn’t working hard enough for you. ☀️ Thoughtful planting, shaded pergolas and water features can create cooler, more comfortable spaces when temperatures rise—all without sacrificing beautiful design. Link in bio.

Rural gardens ask different questions. 🌿 How far does the formality extend from the house? Where does the managed garden give way to something wilder? How do you choose materials that sit naturally in a country setting?

Our latest blog covers rural and country garden design in Essex — the approach we take on larger plots where space, setting, and landscape all play a role. 🌾

Link in bio.

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Open post by rosehillluxurygardens with ID 18120718474699504
Rural gardens ask different questions. 🌿 How far does the formality extend from the house? Where does the managed garden give way to something wilder? How do you choose materials that sit naturally in a country setting? Our latest blog covers rural and country garden design in Essex — the approach we take on larger plots where space, setting, and landscape all play a role. 🌾 Link in bio.

🌿 NATIONAL POLLINATORS WEEK GIVEAWAY 🌿

In celebration of National Pollinators Week (22nd–28th June), we`re giving one lucky winner the chance to receive a Bespoke Pollinator Plant Collection, professionally selected by the team at Rose Hill Luxury Gardens.

Designed to bring colour, movement and wildlife into your garden, an example of the collection could include:

✨ Lavender
✨ Verbena bonariensis
✨ Salvia
✨ Nepeta
✨ Echinacea
✨ Agastache

These beautiful plants are loved by bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, helping to create a thriving and vibrant garden.

TO ENTER:

✔ Follow @rosehillluxurygardens
✔ Follow our Head Designer @reavictoriahill
✔ Like this post
✔ Tag your fellow plant lovers in the comments (each tag counts as an entry)

💬 We`d also love to know: Where would you use these plants in your garden?

📅 Competition closes: 29th June
🏆 Winner announced: 1st July
🇬🇧 UK entries only

Plants will be delivered where possible, or collection arranged through a local nursery.

Good luck! 🐝🌸

#NationalPollinatorsWeek #Giveaway #PollinatorGarden #BeeFriendlyGarden #WildlifeGarden

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Open post by rosehillluxurygardens with ID 18034885142811483
🌿 NATIONAL POLLINATORS WEEK GIVEAWAY 🌿 In celebration of National Pollinators Week (22nd–28th June), we're giving one lucky winner the chance to receive a Bespoke Pollinator Plant Collection, professionally selected by the team at Rose Hill Luxury Gardens. Designed to bring colour, movement and wildlife into your garden, an example of the collection could include: ✨ Lavender ✨ Verbena bonariensis ✨ Salvia ✨ Nepeta ✨ Echinacea ✨ Agastache These beautiful plants are loved by bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, helping to create a thriving and vibrant garden. TO ENTER: ✔ Follow @rosehillluxurygardens ✔ Follow our Head Designer @reavictoriahill ✔ Like this post ✔ Tag your fellow plant lovers in the comments (each tag counts as an entry) 💬 We'd also love to know: Where would you use these plants in your garden? 📅 Competition closes: 29th June 🏆 Winner announced: 1st July 🇬🇧 UK entries only Plants will be delivered where possible, or collection arranged through a local nursery. Good luck! 🐝🌸 #NationalPollinatorsWeek #Giveaway #PollinatorGarden #BeeFriendlyGarden #WildlifeGarden

The most successful gardens don`t just look beautiful—they support the wildlife that makes them thrive.

A well-designed garden should do more than create visual impact. By carefully selecting plants that provide nectar, pollen and habitat, we can create outdoor spaces that are alive with bees, butterflies and other important pollinators throughout the seasons.

In many of our garden projects, we incorporate pollinator-friendly planting that combines beauty with biodiversity. Some of our favourites include:

Lavender – a magnet for bees and a timeless garden favourite
Salvia – long-flowering and rich in nectar
Verbena – loved by butterflies and adds movement through borders
Nepeta – soft, flowing colour that pollinators can`t resist
Echinacea – architectural blooms that attract a variety of beneficial insects

The result is a garden that not only looks stunning but actively supports local wildlife and contributes to a healthier ecosystem.

As we approach National Pollinator Week, it`s a reminder that even small planting choices can make a significant difference.

Which pollinator-friendly plants have been the biggest success in your garden?

#NationalPollinatorWeek #PollinatorFriendly #GardenDesign #PlantingDesign #Biodiversity

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Open post by rosehillluxurygardens with ID 18076085591661937
The most successful gardens don't just look beautiful—they support the wildlife that makes them thrive. A well-designed garden should do more than create visual impact. By carefully selecting plants that provide nectar, pollen and habitat, we can create outdoor spaces that are alive with bees, butterflies and other important pollinators throughout the seasons. In many of our garden projects, we incorporate pollinator-friendly planting that combines beauty with biodiversity. Some of our favourites include: Lavender – a magnet for bees and a timeless garden favourite Salvia – long-flowering and rich in nectar Verbena – loved by butterflies and adds movement through borders Nepeta – soft, flowing colour that pollinators can't resist Echinacea – architectural blooms that attract a variety of beneficial insects The result is a garden that not only looks stunning but actively supports local wildlife and contributes to a healthier ecosystem. As we approach National Pollinator Week, it's a reminder that even small planting choices can make a significant difference. Which pollinator-friendly plants have been the biggest success in your garden? #NationalPollinatorWeek #PollinatorFriendly #GardenDesign #PlantingDesign #Biodiversity

The best outdoor kitchens are designed into the garden, not dropped into a corner of it.

Where it sits, how it meets the patio, the light it gets in the evening: these are the decisions that make a kitchen you actually use. Our latest journal entry explains how we plan them.

Read it via the link in bio.

9 1
Open post by rosehillluxurygardens with ID 17928702786345320
The best outdoor kitchens are designed into the garden, not dropped into a corner of it. Where it sits, how it meets the patio, the light it gets in the evening: these are the decisions that make a kitchen you actually use. Our latest journal entry explains how we plan them. Read it via the link in bio.
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