This is a long-running project to simplify a large, rambling and very overgrown garden so that it becomes manageable without losing its intrinsic character.

My design has kept to the basic layout but given some structure to the lawns, beds and pathways. I've replaced some of the borders with hedging - specifically a double hedge of box and yew - and others with a gravel surface with key specimens retained, including some lovely camellias and cherries, to which I've added Verbascums and grasses.

Dishevelled dry stone walls have been rebuilt; some have been topped with turf to open up the garden to the views beyond, and some have been topped with newly planted native hedging to create more intimate areas.

Rusty iron pergolas, planted with David Austin roses, were specially commissioned from Devon craftsman Arron Castle and pick up the iron colours in the local stone.

These relatively small changes have made a big difference to the garden, and to the client's relationship with it. Where it had become a chore and a liability it is now doing what a garden should do - providing solace and beauty. In the client's own words, "Already I enjoy being in the garden again, which I haven't for a long time."