The Brief: The clients had purchased two derelict and overgrown plots beyond their original garden at the rear of a Grade II Listed property in Highbury. They were keen to get rid of the existing lawn and wanted more colour – and to create a new space with a different feel, and an area for growing vegetables.

The Solution: The original lawned garden was redesigned as a courtyard using reclaimed yorkstone and an ornate gate was commissioned to provide a link to the new ‘secret’ garden beyond. The new area of garden was designed to provide a sunny chill out zone with a more contemporary feel for the family to relax in. Cedar trellis screens and pleached trees were used to create more privacy and a firepit and garden lighting extend the garden’s use into the evenings. A productive garden was created with fruit trees and raised beds for growing vegetables. The colourful planting scheme included plenty of perennials and bulbs to provide changing seasonal interest.