This was designed for a couple who like to entertain and wanted a low-to-medium maintenance garden. The brief given was for year-round interest, using white and soft colours with an emphasis on texture and structural planting. The design had to retain the birch tree already there and negotiate a sharp rise in ground level at the end of the garden. Access from the house is through large French doors and the hard landscaping was designed to reflect the modern interior of the house which features natural oak floors and stainless steel.