A long flight of steps, with low risers to make climbing, easy creates an elegant link from the middle to the upper garden.

This bed is raised for easy access. The bog garden is visible in the background.

A circle of gravel, edged with blue rope-topped tiles and with a central bird bath. It brings form to an area of informal planting; and also provides convenient access to the planting for maintenance.

A mirror fall, built in Hornton stone, begins the stream through the water garden. Hornton stone is one of our favourite materials for the creation of informal walling.

This is a successful low-maintenance gravel-mulched scree garden. The effect is achieved by careful colour coordination, in this case the use of whites, blues and yellows. The selection, positioning and association of plants are also important in achieving the desired effects.