This new build terrace house on a steep slope has a walled garden surrounding a new conservatory, which could have dominated the space, but with careful design and planting will blend in and become a delightful place to enjoy the garden throughout the seasons. The slope was dealt with by simply dividing the garden into two areas with generous semi circular steps. The design uses curves to disguise the many straight walls and corners in the garden and helps create an illusion of space.

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The garden would be overlooked from the top of the slope so three large specimen bamboo were planted along the boundary fence and these will very quickly provide screening and bring a delightful element of sound and movement into the space. They have been planted in a raised bed with a strong root barrier to ensure they do not spread beyond their allotted space. The species chosen, Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Aureocaulis' is a clump forming cultivar which will be easier to maintain in a small garden. The golden colour of the stems will be a lovely bright element on dull days.

In the lower garden a winter flowering cherry tree, Prunus subhirtella Autumnella Rosea was chosen as the main feature with a few more exotic plants like Callistemon splendens citrinus and Sollya heterophylla to remind the client of his trips to Australia and New Zealand. The walls of this courtyard garden will be covered in a variety of fragrant climbing plants within a few years and a white wisteria has been planted to grow along the kitchen wall and eventually over the top of the conservatory roof. The planting plan included a few plants from the clients’ previous large garden and some of his favourite shrubs and includes many fragrant plants and winter interest, so important in a small space.