The setting of this 650-square-meter garden has fundamentally shaped its design. Nestled within a landscape conservation area in Mettmann, the village of Gruiten epitomizes rural charm—dotted with long-established farms at the foothills of Bergisches Land. Combined with the home's expansive architecture, these natural elements flow throughout the garden design, reflecting the owners' vision. As passionate nature lovers, they envisioned their own biotope framed by thoughtful architectural elements. The front garden, which doubles as the home's entrance, was reimagined as a modern outdoor living space: lush plantings and a soothing water feature. Since completion, this area has become the family's favorite gathering spot—a place to dine together, unwind over conversation, and watch the evening fade with a glass of wine. The gentle watercourse delivers the perfect accompaniment, as water cascades over the vertical wall into a basin below. Beyond lies a true nature sanctuary. What was once a sloping, overgrown tract of mature spruce trees has been transformed through a later phase of development. By opening the rear garden toward the conservation area, what appeared dark and closed-off has become fully usable space that embraces the surrounding landscape. The steep topography was carefully divided into distinct zones. The upper terrace accommodates the family's rabbits, which access a natural habitat through an underground tunnel system. Descending further, a flowering meadow—selected to nourish the resident pets—invites exploration. A striking greywacke staircase leads from the meadow into the recreational heart of the garden, featuring a pool, platform, and swing.

The lower section, anchored by substantial greywacke blocks, provides room for the family's gardening pursuits and peaceful rest on the wooden deck. The raised beds and rustic picket fencing reinforce the rural character—a glimpse of the authentic countryside that fully reveals itself once you pass through the garden gate and step onto the adjacent hiking path, winding alongside the stream through the unspoiled landscape.

www.gartenwerk-duesseldorf.de

Photography Credits:

Tim Kögler
www.timkoegler.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 01|23)