MATT’S TIPS TO HELP CREATE A SENSE OF CALM

Creating a relaxing garden is about distracting people from their everyday worries. Always play on the senses – add aromas with herbs or aromatic plants. Visually, think not just about colourful flowers but textures of green, such as the glaucous hues and rugged shapes of the pines. Water is what makes the garden meaningful. I went for gentle turbulence at the bottom of the water wall, so the subtle sound draws you in. Water is also meditative. You can be mesmerised by the reflections in the mirror pond, or enjoy the shadows created by the fish at the bottom of the rill.

Pick the right hard landscaping. Supersized paving minimises the number of joint lines and material intersections in the garden, making an effortless expanse of one crisp material. The gravel has the same effect. On the terrace, I persuaded the owners to put only two lounge chairs – that’s all you need. People often have a terrace that only just fits their dining table, but giving space to a few pieces makes a garden more welcoming.