One Year On: A Front Garden Transformed

Twelve months ago, a London family reached out with a familiar challenge: a narrow front garden overwhelmed by bins, recycling boxes and bikes with nowhere to live. What they have now is something altogether different, and far more beautiful.

We returned recently to see how their bespoke bike and bin store is holding up. What we found was not only a well-used, well-loved structure, but a home that feels calmer, more spacious and more connected to nature than it did before.

From the street, the green roof is now in full bloom. Sedum and flowering perennials cascade over the edges, a haven for bees and butterflies. It has become more than just a roof. It is now part of the home’s identity, softening the elevation and drawing the eye in the most gentle, deliberate way.

Step closer, and the transformation becomes personal.

The bay window in the lounge, once permanently shuttered to block out the noise and clutter of the street, is now open. It frames the green roof, offering privacy and serenity instead of exposure.

The owner reflects:

"This store has given us something we didn’t expect. We have reclaimed the front of our home. The bay window has become a quiet space for reading or reflection, which it never was before. I love standing there now, admiring the plants and just enjoying the calm and quiet."

Practical improvements are just as evident. The bins, previously lined up awkwardly along the garden edge, are now housed with care and ease. The store allows direct access both from the street and from the garden path. The daily act of taking out the rubbish, once an irritating squeeze, is now swift and seamless.

Inside, the structure has become a functional store for the whole family. The children use their bikes more often, knowing they have a secure and accessible place to keep them. There is additional storage for garden tools and outdoor gear, neatly tucked away behind sliding timber doors.

Of course, they were fully aware of the local fox population. It is a common challenge in many parts of London, and one they anticipated from the beginning. They did not want to harm the animals, only to protect the roof.

"We knew the foxes would be curious, so we planned for it," the homeowner explained. "We have found clever, non-invasive ways to keep them at bay. And looking after the roof has become something we genuinely enjoy."

The roof is thriving. It is something the family actively nurtures, a shared source of pride and care. It has become a miniature ecosystem, not just for plants and pollinators, but for a family’s sense of connection with their home.

 One afternoon, they told us, a mother and her daughter paused on the pavement simply to admire the plants and observe the insects going about their business.
"That moment stayed with us. It reminded us that this small roof does something quietly powerful. It brings a little nature back into the city, and it is noticed."

We asked if they had any advice for others considering a bike and bin store. The response was thoughtful:

"Do not just think about what you need today. Think about what will still serve you in five or ten years. This is not just a storage box. It is an investment in the way your home works and the way it feels. Having something designed for us, for this space, has made all the difference."

This visit felt less like inspecting a finished project, and more like catching up with an old friend whose life has gently flourished. Their garden is no longer a compromise. It is now a calm, considered part of the home, a place that makes daily life smoother and makes coming home a pleasure.

If you're dreaming of a more beautiful, practical space for bikes, bins and calm daily moments, we would love to help.

You can see videos and photos of this project here or book your complimentary 15 minute consultation to explore what could a bespoke front garden storage solution bring to your home and family.

Let’s make your front garden a place you love coming home to.