Hard landscaping is the backbone of the garden whilst plants clothe and bring it to life. They create the mood and style with form and texture; lush and green can allude to water; clipped and sharp evokes formality; and soft and flowing likens the sensual and romantic.

A garden is forever changing as it reflects the seasons. Spring bulbs brighten the short days, bursting flowers fill the borders in summer, grasses and leaves light up the autumn and in winter the berries and glowing stems warm the landscape. Colours can harmonise or contrast, add a sharp accent or calm, be hot and spicy, light against dark or dark against light. Plants need to be carefully selected so that they suit the soil, aspect, and climate of a site. They must be of a correct proportion, shape, and size to balance and blend within a well-designed garden.

The slider above shows a selection of photographs to illustrate how Sue uses plants in gardens that she has designed.