World-class Acer garden in Kent
World-class Acer garden in Kent
| Location | Otford, near Sevenoaks, Kent |
|---|---|
| Designer | Marlene Lento |
Designed by garden designer Marlene Lento, this spectacular sloping plot in Otford near Sevenoaks has been transformed into a world-class Acer garden and outdoor entertaining space. Once a steep expanse of lawn, it is now a series of circular terraces with Millboard decking at their heart, framed by Japanese Acers, Niwaki trees and panoramic views back to the contemporary family home.
The clients wanted something very special for their Kent garden, which wraps around their modern house and looks out over the surrounding countryside. They asked for a design that would feel calm and contemplative for everyday use yet also work as an impressive space for social gatherings. Their dream was to create a showcase Acer garden, inspired by Japanese landscapes, with generous seating and a clear connection to the house below.
Site and challenges
The garden is set on a pronounced slope behind the property. While the elevated position offers exceptional views, it also made the space difficult to use. Before the redesign, the area was mostly open grass, exposed in summer and slippery in wet weather. Any new structure would have to sit securely into the hillside and provide safe access between levels, while remaining in keeping with the clean lines of the house.
Design concept
Marlene Lento Design Studio responded with a bold yet refined concept that blends contemporary garden design with subtle references to traditional Japanese gardens. The steep lawn was carved into two circular terraces, each formed in Millboard decking in the Enhanced Grain finish in Antique Oak. These platforms step down the slope and are edged with log rolls, a quiet nod to classic Japanese garden detailing that helps the new structure feel anchored in the landscape.
Creating an immersive backdrop
To create a sense of enclosure and a calm, green backdrop for the Acer garden, the team first installed mature Yew hedging and Cedar venetian screening. These structural elements frame the new terraces, provide privacy without feeling heavy, and emphasise the long views over the Kent countryside. Against this evergreen structure, the colours and textures of the planting and the character of the Millboard decking stand out all year round.
Millboard decking as the centrepiece
The choice of Millboard decking was integral to the success of the scheme. The Antique Oak Enhanced Grain finish offers the natural character of refined timber grain with the reassurance of a wood free composite surface that will not rot, warp or splinter. On this sloping site, often slick with rain and morning dew, the exceptional slip resistance of Millboard decking gives the clients confidence to use the space all year round. The boards also provide exceptional resistance to fading, so the warm oak tones will continue to complement the surrounding planting and the architecture of the house.
Because Millboard decking can be precisely cut and formed, the circular decks sit neatly into the hillside, creating clean lines without complicated detailing. The material has also been used for built in features, including steps and edges, helping the different levels read as one coherent space that is easy to move around and simple to look after.
Planting a world-class Acer collection
Planting plays the leading role in this garden. A carefully curated collection of Japanese Acers in a spectrum of colours brings seasonal drama and delicate texture to the terraces. These are layered with larger specimen Niwaki trees to give height and structure, including a sculptural Niwaki pine and a magnificent ancient Olive tree. To achieve the instant maturity the clients desired, several of these trees were too large to bring through the property and had to be airlifted into the garden by helicopter.
Helicopter tree installation
Working in partnership with specialist nursery Architectural Plants, Marlene’s team planned a complex operation to bring the largest specimens safely into the sloping garden. Permissions were secured, the trees were stored briefly in a neighbouring field, and each rootball was wrapped and strapped before being lifted into place. The pilot positioned each tree accurately into pre prepared planting pits beside the Millboard decking terraces, ensuring they were planted quickly and safely with minimal disruption.
A space designed for entertaining
The two circular decks were designed not only as viewing platforms for the Acer garden, but as generous entertaining spaces. The upper level is furnished with fully upholstered outdoor sofas and bespoke cushions, grouped around a sculptural fire bowl that becomes a natural focal point on cooler evenings. A large cantilever patio heater and layers of decorative garden lighting mean the space can be enjoyed long after sunset, with the Millboard decking providing a stable, comfortable underfoot surface.
The lower terrace doubles as an outdoor dancefloor when the clients host social gatherings, with guests moving easily between the different levels. The circular shape of the decks encourages people to gather, while the surrounding planting gives a sense of intimacy even in a relatively open hillside setting.
Designer’s view
“Millboard decking and cladding have been an indispensable asset in bringing my vision to life across multiple projects, and this Acer garden design is no exception. Their remarkable realism, durability and versatility have consistently exceeded my expectations. From Millboard decking to built in seating, the materials integrate effortlessly into the landscape, enhancing both the aesthetics and the functionality. I have come to rely on their quality and performance, and they have never failed to deliver. Working with Millboard products has been a pleasure, and I look forward to incorporating them into many more future designs,” says Marlene Lento of Marlene Lento Design Studio.
A lasting result
The finished garden brings together careful engineering, detailed planting design and the performance of Millboard decking to create a unique Acer garden in Kent. What was once a difficult slope is now a series of welcoming outdoor rooms, all connected visually to the architecture of the house and the countryside beyond. The space feels tranquil for everyday use, yet has the presence and practicality required for entertaining family and friends.
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