Unite the elements

There are those of us that are drawn to straight lines and symmetry, and there are those who are drawn to curves and sweeping lines. It is a complete misnomer that gardens formed of straight lines cannot be soft and inviting.

The exuberant planting in this scheme makes the straight lines of this garden both soft and inviting, while the hard landscaping still remains crisp and clean. The two go together to make a dynamic yet inviting space. The sunken area creates seclusion and it would be a joy to sit in at any time of the day. Here, the inside and outside spaces have been joined by a use of colour that makes the house and garden flow together.

Try at home

1 Extend the flooring you have indoors to the outside if possible (check slip ratings on tiles to prevent making a skating rink).

2 Accessorise your soft furnishings to bring the indoors out to your garden (or vice versa).

3 Do not be afraid to bring height to your planting – it adds scale.

4 If you can, create sunken or raised areas. These are never an inexpensive undertaking, but the result will create a much more interesting scheme.