Can you bring the tropics to the North West of England? Technically, no—but this garden transformation in Chorlton might just be the next best thing.
For Matt and Sam Kennedy, their dream was to bring the tropical charm of their Southeast Asian travels into their Manchester garden. And because turning dreams into reality is what we do, we made the impossible possible.
In this case study, we highlight how we worked together with the Kennedys to create a vibrant, immersive tropical retreat that perfectly balances a seemingly impossible concept with sustainability and practicality.
The Client: Meet the Kennedys
Matt and Sam Kennedy, and their young daughter, are a family of three in Chorlton, Manchester, who share their home with a lively dog.
After years of extensive travel across Southeast Asia, the young parents developed a deep appreciation for the lush, tropical landscapes. Inspired by these experiences, they decided it was time to upgrade their garden into a vibrant space that reflected their love for travel and offered a serene retreat for their family.
The Brief: A Tropical Escape
To say that the garden was not in good shape on the first visit would be an understatement. An oversized trampoline and a poorly installed platform dominated the space. But, we saw a blank canvas waiting to be transformed—a dream project!
The Kennedys envisioned a tropical-inspired garden that would evoke the sense of tranquillity and immersion they felt during their adventures in Southeast Asia—and there’s no one better for the job than David, who’s been visiting Southeast Asia almost annually for the past decade and shares their love for the tropics.
The Kennedys sought a design that combined a lush planting scheme with structural elements reminiscent of the region’s landscapes. Collaborating alongside them, we delved deep into their vision, refining ideas and choosing features to craft a garden that would be visually striking, evocative of a tropical paradise and practical for Manchester’s climate.
The Challenge: Bringing the Tropics to Manchester
The biggest challenge when working on this project was creating a planting palette that would deliver the tropical aesthetic the Kennedys desired, whilst thriving in the unpredictable North West England weather. Balancing the vision with the realities took a lot of careful research and creative problem-solving to make sure that the garden would be both beautiful and sustainable.
The Solution: Combining Expertise and Creativity
To tackle the planting challenge, we conducted extensive research and collaborated with expert suppliers, including Crûg Farm Nursery in North Wales, which is run by two of the UK’s last licensed plant hunters, and trusted nurseries in Holland. Together, we were able to put together a plant list that brought the tropical aesthetic to life, which would also be suitable for the Mancunian climate.
The Plant Selection for a Tropical Look
To replicate the tropical look, we incorporated a selection of plants, including Musa basjoo (Japanese banana), the hardiest banana plant for UK gardens—though it will need some winter protection—along with Cordyline australis (cabbage palm), the evergreen Magnolia grandiflora and the hardy Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan palm).
To add even more texture and drama, we used Dicksonia antarctica (tree fern), vibrant Hedychium 'Tara' (ginger lilies), Fargesia nitida (a clump-forming bamboo) and Schefflera taiwaniana (Heptapleurum taiwanianum), among many other plants... These are just some of the highlights to give you a glimpse of the diverse array we curated to create this stunning landscape.
Structural Elements and the Water Feature
Other than the planting, structural elements were also very important in achieving the tropical ambiance. That’s why we introduced the floating platforms, which guide visitors into the heart of the garden and immerse them in the textures and layers of the planting. As a focal point on the mid-platforms, a bespoke water feature—designed specifically for this project by DK Garden Design, inspired by the tranquil sounds of Southeast Asia’s nature—adds to the calming atmosphere and compliments the garden’s tropical theme.
The water feature was thoughtfully designed and screened behind plant foliage to keep it hidden from the main house deck. We did this so that visitors would hear the soothing sound of water before seeing the feature, thus creating a sense of journey and discovery as they move through the space. Additionally, the positioning of the water added a stunning feature, which is now visible from the hot tub in the summerhouse next to this part of the garden. The summerhouse was originally painted a dull green, which we refreshed with a matte black finish to add depth and contrast to the evergreen foliage of the tropical-style planting.
The three interconnected platforms were constructed using DesignBoard composite decking from London Stone. We picked this material for its durability and low-maintenance properties, which is a key consideration for gardens with shaded areas under a canopy, as its sealed surface prevents algae from forming and can be easily cleaned with a mop or jet wash without damage.
The All-Important Finishing Touch
Finally, at the far end of the garden, we introduced another focal point in the form of a zinc pedestal with a finial feature from A Place in the Garden—a company that specialises in exquisite zinc and metal garden pieces.
The Outcome: A Dream Brought to Life
We created a garden that invites relaxation and contemplation—a space where time stands still, transporting you to the other side of the world.
One year on, this tropical oasis has matured beautifully, with plants filling out and creating the lush, jungle-like environment the Kennedys dreamed of. The floating platforms lead you to explore the space, whilst the water feature provides a soundtrack to set the scene, making the space feel like a tropical oasis—in the heart of Manchester.
The Kennedys couldn’t be happier with the transformation. “We’ve brought our love of Asia home,” they shared. “It’s full to bursting with plants, and we love it. It genuinely feels like we could be anywhere in Southeast Asia!"
By combining thoughtful design with an understanding of both the clients’ vision and local climate, the garden has become a lasting testament to the Kennedys’ love of Southeast Asia and their desire for a slice of the tropics at home.
What’s Your Vision for Your Garden?
Do you dream of a tropical paradise, like the Kennedys? Or perhaps you envision a sleek modern space? Whatever it may be, we can help you bring it to life.
Don't know where to start? We're sure you'll find plenty of inspiration from our portfolio of projects.
With our expertise and experience in transforming outdoor spaces, we’ll work alongside you to create a garden that fulfils your vision, suits your needs and, most importantly, stands the test of time. Get in touch today to start creating the garden you’ve always dreamed of.
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