This walled garden is approximately 10 m x 10 m square and is dominated by two large pine trees growing in a neighbouring garden, which continually dropped debris onto the lawn and robbed one half of the garden of moisture.

Our brief was to design a bird-friendly, easily maintained garden, with enough planting area to satisfy the client's love of plants (especially those with bright, warm coloured flowers).

In this small garden we introduced eight small trees. Although it may seem a lot, they break up the 'shoe box' effect created by a flat site surrounded by walls, as well as bringing dappled shade to a very sunny garden. The cherries have wonderful bark colour and blossom in winter and spring, and the rowans provide valuable berries for birds in winter. The 'chimney pot' water feature, which we designed, includes a birdbath and makes a great focal point to the garden.

We also designed a new gate and a binstore, which not only hides the bins, but also breaks up what was in effect a walled corridor between the garden and the house. Now, this also makes a welcoming entrance archway, covered by a fragrant climbing rose.