Wanting to detract from the eye being drawn straight to the dominant rear boundary, staggered linear shapes were used to place interest and emphasis on width.  The step-up to the garden was harsh so levels were changed to soften this, together with an infill ‘deck' that bridges the house threshold to the upper garden level that is both strong in linear pattern but also inviting in material.   This deck shape and linear laying pattern is then replicated leading you towards a feature bird bath that can be viewed from the breakfast terrace of clay pavers.  The pavers laid in stack-bond pattern link up with the size and detailing of the kitchen splash-back inside creating an effective unity of detail. The existing raised dining terrace was retained but re-paved with Jura Grey Porcelain and re-located steps for better access.  This paving is used throughout the garden and brightens up the former dull/damp areas adjacent to the house.  A contemporary pergola overhead clad with jasmine on each upright post provides privacy and incredible scent and the fascia of the terrace is softened with a low growing Euonymus hedge.   A BBQ/serving area is on the opposite side of the garden with its own raised bed of culinary herbs which also nicely separates this cooking area from the breakfast terrace.

Wildlife planting in abundance has been packed into this garden, both in borders and as gravel planting which is also to serve as directional prompts encouraging you to meander through the space to delay your journey visually and physically to each respective zone.   Strong and colourful borders by the house provide the feeling of bringing the outside in.    Before we had even finished the garden, the place was literally buzzing with bees and butterflies and the sparrows that have resided in the Pittosporum Tree for some 10 years were relishing in their new bird bath.  Such a joy to create a garden that was as much about the wildlife as it was the clients.  This instruction was a dream!