This is a compact, south-facing garden in Stoke Newington, N16 which is accessed from the first floor. It also backs on to the neighboursʼ terrace downstairs.

New, slatted fencing allows light to filter through and screens the unkempt garden next door. The new design is a clean, modern space, mainly used for entertaining, but the client is also a keen horticulturalist, so generous borders with a diverse range of wildlife-friendly and unusual plants were a must. The existing deck and stairs down to the garden were replaced and stained to complement the new slate terrace. We restricted the colour palette of plants to blues and purples, with splashes of red and orange. A reflective pond in a bowl is a focal point that ties it all together.