This garden in Highbury, N5, was swamped with oversized, heavy shrubs. The client was doing extensive renovation work to the house, and wanted a pretty garden that would maximise the space. The new design should include two seating areas to catch the morning and evening sun and a bike shed.

A curved path made with clay pavers links two circular patios. The planting is scaled to draw the eye into down into the garden. Existing fences are shared between several houses, so were stained to set off the climbing plants and roses and bounce light into the space. A small, multi-stemmed tree conceals the bike shed with its green roof. A sculptural bowl, filled with water and a single dwarf lily anchors the frothy, perennial planting. The garden now looks about twice the size!