This was a long, north-­east facing garden with beds on either side tapering to a row of high Leylandii trees at the rear. There was a lovely open aspect but the garden had no shape and the Leylandii dominated.

The tall trees at the rear were removed and replaced with more manageable evergreen trees and shrubs which provided the necessary screening but helped to blend the garden into the landscape beyond.

Clipped hedges were planted to divide the garden into three and widen the space. A new rectilinear shape helped disguise the garden’s tapering shape.

A large, sunny deck now opens onto a family lawn surrounded by evergreen shrubs and climbers which create structure and contrast. Grasses and perennials add seasonal interest and movement. A second deck leads to a children’s play area with screening hedges and mature trees.

Corten steel coloured planters act as accents to the greens, purples, deep pinks, clarets and whites of planting.