In our cities, green space is precious - but not all of it works as well as it could. That’s where landscaping comes in. At Meristem Design, we specialise in soft and hard landscaping that transforms urban spaces so they not only look good but actively support biodiversity, sustainable drainage, and wellbeing.
When combined with well-planned design and landscaping such as paths, seating, tree planting and kerbs, these works can completely change how people use and value a space.
One of our recent projects in South Countess Road in Waltham Forest shows exactly how the balance of nature and structure can turn an overlooked and underutilised green space into a thriving and climate-resilient public area.
Urban landscapes face growing pressure, from heavy rainfall and compacted soils to the need for greener, more liveable spaces. Good landscaping tackles all these issues at once:
- Soft landscaping adds biodiversity, manages surface water, and creates habitats for pollinators.
- Hard landscaping provides structure, accessibility, and durability for public use.
- Together, they deliver sustainable, functional, and attractive outdoor environments that support people and nature.
For local authorities, developers, housing associations and estates, well-designed landscaping is an investment in both environmental resilience and community wellbeing.
At South Countess Road, Meristem Design worked with Waltham Forest Council to reimagine an underused green space in a residential area. The goal: make it more accessible, biodiverse, and welcoming while solving flooding issues.
To achieve this, our team combined soft landscaping features such as a rain garden and drought-tolerant planting with hard landscaping elements like gabion seating and pathway construction.
This thoughtful combination resulted in:
- A more accessible and inviting route for residents
- Improved drainage through permeable soils and rain gardens
- Increased biodiversity thanks to hardy, pollinator-friendly planting
- A social space where people can sit, rest, and enjoy their surroundings
What was once a piece of grass people walked around is now a valued part of the neighbourhood.
As more cities look to adapt to climate change and urban growth, the role of landscaping in creating sustainable, liveable environments is only growing.
South Countess is one of many examples showing how thoughtful landscaping can reshape urban life - making spaces more usable, more beautiful, and more sustainable.
If you’re developing or managing a site that could benefit from resilient landscaping, get in touch to explore how we can bring your green vision to life.
Find out more about our landscaping services here.
