The clients brief for this town garden was for a contemporary design to provide terraces with planted borders around their house and existing swimming pool and to integrate a new pool house. Conifer hedging gave a dark background to the boundaries, which was to be retained for privacy from the neighbouring properties. Existing large rhododendrons were also to be saved.

Jura Beige Limestone was selected for the terraces, to lighten and expand the space, which was punctuated with York stone setts to provide interest and define areas. Long borders were created to flank the pool and to give an illusion of lengthening the garden. The main accent tree is Osmanthus heterophyllus, adding evergreen structure, height and to part screen and soften the conifer hedge at the end of the garden. A beautiful Cornus contraversa Variegata and an Acer sangukaku affords winter interest and the borders are planted for seasonal interest smothered with fresh greens, whites, limes and splashes of bright pinks giving an ever changing scene. A vegetable garden and greenhouse are screened from the main garden by evergreen Eleagnus hedging. Shaded borders at the end and sides of the garden are punctuated with rhododendrons, acers, Magnolia stellata and Skimmia Kew Green. These are underplanted with lush evergreen ferns, hostas, foxgloves, perennial geraniums and hydrangea paniculata to lengthen the summer colour.

This garden is now a wonderful secluded haven for retreat and relaxation.