This L-shaped garden is a good size but was overlooked on three sides, so it was vital to create privacy and a feeling of enclosure.

I designed a secluded terrace area close to the existing brick boundary wall. This was surfaced with bound gravel, softer on the eye than paving but still firm underfoot (and table!). Specially designed planting holes allow for roses and violas to spill onto the terrace in a controlled fashion. This terrace is further enclosed with box hedging, while three white stemmed silver birch trees provide privacy from the neighbours. Raised brick beds provide a visual link between the boundary wall and the brick detailing of the house.

Filled with a romantic profusion of flowers in pastel shades, the beds provide colour and movement throughout the year and create a fluid contrast to the solidity of the brick. A second, 'family' terrace overlooks the lawn and is shaded with a simple rusted iron pergola.