Transforming a Compact Garden: Two Concept Designs for a Rear Garden in Wakefield

MP Landscape Design
2 hours ago
4 min read

Introduction

I recently created a set of garden design concept plans for a small rear garden in Wakefield. The space needed a complete rethink, and my client wanted something cosy, practical and relaxing. Because I regularly work on Pontefract, Wakefield, Doncaster and Sheffield garden design projects, I’ve learnt how to reshape awkward, tight or underused gardens into outdoor spaces that feel much larger and more inviting.

For this project, I developed two different concepts, each supported with a walkthrough animation so my clients could visualise exactly how their new garden would feel. One design focuses on curves and movement, while the other takes on a crisp, modern layout with straight lines and symmetry.

View more of my animations here.

Understanding My Client’s Brief

My client wanted a garden that felt calm, welcoming and easy to use throughout the year. They asked for a main patio for seating, a peaceful water feature, a fire pit area for evenings, strong planting throughout and a timber structure for shade and shelter. They also wanted durable, low-maintenance materials such as porcelain paving, sandstone and cobble sets. All of this fed into my early planning and shaped the two distinct design options.

See the pro & con of sandstone paving here

See the pros & con of porcelain paving here

Concept Plan Option One: A Garden Built on Curves and Flow

The first design embraces soft shapes and circular forms, creating a garden that feels more organic and spacious. Curves are brilliant for small Wakefield gardens because they guide the eye around the space and remove harsh edges that can make a garden appear tight or boxed in.

In this concept, I used porcelain paving for the main surfaces and defined the paths with sandstone cobble sets. The mix of the two brings a clean, modern look while keeping the overall feel warm and textured. I also added a timber canopy with a solid roof, creating an outdoor room that offers shade in summer and shelter in the colder months.

See here the benefits of a timber canopy

The patio sits neatly in the corner with room for a fire pit, giving my client a cosy evening space. Decorative gravel breaks up the paving and adds interest without increasing maintenance. Planting plays a big role here, wrapping around the curves to soften the layout and create a stronger sense of movement. A water feature provides a calming focal point, adding sound and reflection.

See the benefits of a water feature here

This curved approach works especially well for homeowners looking for a more relaxed and natural feel in Pontefract, Wakefield, Doncaster or Sheffield garden design projects. If you’d like to explore more of my design style, you can take a look at my garden design page at https://www.mpgardendesigns.info/garden-design.

Concept Plan Option Two: Clean Geometry and Modern Structure

The second concept takes the opposite approach by using straight lines, geometric forms and a more structured layout. This gives the garden a sharp, contemporary look that suits homes with modern architecture or clients who prefer a tidier aesthetic.

Here I used sandstone paving throughout, edged with cobble sets to frame the layout. Instead of a canopy, I designed a timber pergola with open detailing. This adds height without enclosing the garden and creates a strong architectural feature that can also support climbing plants.

See the benefits of a timber pergola here

The main patio remains in the corner with a dedicated space for the fire pit, but the straight-line layout gives the space a more formal and organised character. The planting beds follow the geometry, helping the garden feel cohesive and well defined. A modern water feature sits in a stronger visual position, acting as a key focal point in the design.

See the benefits of a focal point here

This style suits clients who want a sharp, structured look and is a popular choice in many Doncaster, Sheffield, Pontefract and Wakefield garden design schemes. For more examples of structured outdoor living spaces, you can explore the outdoor kitchens and fireplaces I design at https://www.mpgardendesigns.info/foodandfireoutdoorliving .

Helping My Client Choose the Right Direction

Both designs meet the brief, but each creates a completely different atmosphere. This is where the walkthrough animations become invaluable. Seeing the materials, routes, planting and structures in motion helps my clients understand how each version would feel day-to-day. It also allows them to imagine themselves using the space throughout the year, whether that’s enjoying the fire pit on a cold night or sitting beside the water feature on a warm summer morning.

View more of my animations here.

Conclusion

Designing small gardens across Wakefield, Pontefract, Sheffield and Doncaster is always a rewarding challenge. With the right layout, planting and materials, even the most compact gardens can be transformed into beautiful outdoor spaces that genuinely enhance everyday living. These two concept plans show how shape, structure and atmosphere can completely change a space and give homeowners a garden that suits their lifestyle perfectly.

If you’d like your own concept plans or a walkthrough animation for your garden, you can get in touch with me through my main website at https://www.mpgardendesigns.info. I design every garden around how you live, the character of your home and the atmosphere you want to create.