Innehållsförteckning för June 2022 från Homes & Gardens

It is rare that I urge readers to turn straight towards the back of an issue in my opening line, but this month – dedicated to celebrating summer – it feels entirely appropriate. On page 132 you will find a jewel of a garden. It belongs to the dynamic design duo of Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen and is simply too exquisite to miss, epitomising the beauty of a quintessential British garden in high summer. I must also mention Back to Nature (page 71), which showcases clever planting and landscaping schemes perfect for sophisticated outdoor living and dining spaces, while Table Talk (page 56) offers tablescaping ideas to make summer soirées magical. This leads me neatly on to this issue’s 36-page supplement. It looks at garden design directions for the…

PERFECT PAIRING With a two-tone hand-painted wavy edge, David Hunt Lighting’s latest metal pendant light, Scallop, £390, will add a joyful note to your home. It’s shown here in two contrasting hues, Hellebore and Bronze, by Little Greene. BEAUTY SPOT From French designer duo brothers Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec comes Balcony, a new collection of outdoor furniture made for Danish design brand Hay. Characterised by laser-welded symmetric circles, the series comprises chairs, tables and benches including the Balcony lounge chair, £249 and the Balcony low table, both in Iron Red, £175, all available from SCP. PASSION FOR PATTERN Outdoor fabrics to enliven your patio or poolside…

Last month I enthusiastically wrote about compost and how it helps us close loops of waste in our household. The other ‘pillar’ of domestic waste conversion is our trio of bantam hens. I suppose pillar is a grand word for such modest creatures, but the principle of using animals to turn waste food back into food is one that I hold in very high regard. There is something magic about feeding kitchen scraps to sweet little animals which in turn, give you eggs. Many told me our garden was too small for chickens, but I really think they have fitted in perfectly. Rather than a coop we move around, I’ve made a dedicated space for them with a cosy thatched hut for them to roost in. Our garden is about…

CHINTZ CHARMING Take your indoor style out into the garden for a gorgeously inviting lunch. Pretty in pink, these delightful colourful armchairs by Birdie Fortescue invite you to linger comfortably over a long, lazy lunch on a sunny day. Green accents complement the garden setting while a decorative, frilled floral tablecloth (also by Birdie) adds an additional feminine element. LAID-BACK LUXURY Combine contemporary furniture – this is from Fermob – with crushed linen tablecloths and napkins to create a relaxed but chic setting. These pastel linens are from Rowen & Wren. Small posies of flowers in stoneware ceramic vases stay true to the casual mood. LIVELY COMBINATIONS A decorative mix of pattern on pattern in tonal shades sets the scene for a jovial feast. This zigzag tablecloth from Wicklewood works…

LIGHT AND SPACE Fulfilling her client’s brief – ‘a beautiful “green” picture that would be the constant visual backdrop to the kitchen/dining room’ – proved a big ask for landscape design studio Jane Brockbank Gardens. ‘It was a challenge,’ says Jane, about the space at the rear of a Victorian terrace in London. Jane’s aim was to make the space ‘full of shimmery light and texture’ so she dug out the garden to the new basement level including underpinning all the walls, placing planting in beds at lower levels. ‘It was also a very constrained site – we needed to make it feel lighter and bigger,’ says Jane. ‘Much thought was given to the walls – they are very tall so we used many contrasting tall shrubs and climbers to…

GREATEST SUCCESS Meeting the clients who have always been wonderful to work with. We’ve watched them go from being a couple to a family of four with two dogs. BIGGEST INDULGENCE The use of plenty of fabric and wallpaper. GO-TO COLOURS In this project, green (Jed’s favourite) and purple. SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT Painting the front and kitchen door green. It was a small thing but made the house look more interesting. SECRET ADDRESS I buy a lot at auction. There’s a great auction house in Hudson called Stair Galleries, but I also use Live Auctioneers online. DESIGN HERO Christopher Gibbs. I visited his house in Oxfordshire and I loved the casualness and elegance of what he did. I refer back to him a lot. WHAT’S ON YOUR COFFEE TABLE…

Sometimes a new chapter in the life of a period property happens organically, as the needs of its inhabitants change over time; on other occasions, a renewed decorative confidence prompts a definitive step change. In the case of Amalie and Charles White, whose former Hertfordshire home featured in a previous issue of Homes & Gardens in 2013, the latter is true. The couple, who have two boys, Josh, four, and Harry, two, decided to shake things up three years ago. Craving a return to life in the capital, they found a large Edwardian home close to Hampstead Heath and undertook an imaginative renovation guided by Nicky Mudie of design firm Violet & George. ‘We probably played it safe before, with lots of easy-on-the-eye neutrals,’ says Amalie. ‘But this time, we…

While Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen’s garden looks, at first sight, like a simple design, it is, in fact, quite complex, created to work on three levels. The first from the inside ‘like a framed picture,’ with views from every window; the second as an outdoor extension comprising a collection of independent ‘rooms’; and the third, as exterior decor, blurring the indoor/outdoor boundary. Interior design director Philip won Homes & Gardens 2021 Best Large Garden for his first-ever design. ‘We know about interiors; spatially we work with rooms, which is how I approached the garden’s design,’ he explains. The part-Tudor timber and brick farmhouse sits in the centre of a 2.5 acre plot. Philip’s design eye saw the potential for individual garden rooms leading off each side of the property.…

SIZE UP Now that virtually any light can be adapted for bathroom use, it’s full steam ahead for statement lighting. ‘Outsized lights adds ambience and drama – view it as jewellery for the space,’ says designer Shayelyn Woodbery. Many suppliers offer IP-rated adaption, or see Hector Finch’s OSH IP44 fitting. Jacqueline chandelier by Aerin Lauder, £1,715, Circa Lighting. Barcelona bath, from £3,500, Victoria + Albert Baths. Interior design by Shayelyn Woodbery. COUTURE WITHOUT COMPROMISE A free-standing bath exudes style and creates a spa-like feel but is it enough? Now we’ve spent so much time at home, comfort is king. ‘The comfort of an inset bath has never been championed in a free-standing version, until Bette created the Oval Couture bath and based it upon the Oval built-in bath,’ says Louise…

MATKI Glass options include Bronze, Blue, Green and Black Tinted, Satin Frosted and Ultra Black, Fluted – and its new Metallic Mesh offering in Silver or Gold mesh. THE MAJESTIC SHOWER COMPANY This bespoke shower specialist offers acid etched glass, mirrored and fluted glass in Smoke Grey and Bronze. SSI TRUE FRAMELESS A specialist in frameless glass shower enclosures, this company offers acid etched and tinted glass, as well as sandblasted modesty panels.ssitrueframeless.co.uk ROMAN Fluted and traditionally decorative Victoriana glass options are included in the product offer from this well-priced shower enclosure manufacturer. roman-…

‘TRADITION is now’ is Thomas Jayne’s mantra, as well as the guiding ethos at Jayne Design Studio, which he founded more than three decades ago. It captures both his knowledge of period detail and his skill in harmonising this with comfort and spirited design. This is shown in his work, which includes contemporary dwellings, such as a Soho loft in New York, and historically important houses, including the Georgian Grade I-listed Crichel House in Dorset. ‘We have an antiquarian aesthetic with a modern eye,’ says Thomas, whose interiors are noted for a dynamic interplay of eras and references, rooted in decorating tradition. Comfort and functionality underscore every project yet it is his ‘collage’ approach to blending ancient and modern that is, perhaps, most admired. ‘You can see a consistency in…

FROM THE ARCHIVES Sanderson’s Water Garden collection celebrates newly discovered documents as well as contemporary interpretations from an untouched archive. The designs are inspired by the Oriental style of decoration at the turn of the 20th century, when water gardens and exotic plants were in fashion. Shown here on curtains is Chinoiserie Hall in Papavera, £129m, and the wallpaper is Bamboo & Birds in Scallion Green, £115 a roll. ITALIAN CRAFTED Bontempi Casa knows how to make elegant pieces of furniture to adorn your home. This season it’s the Flexus coffee table, £746, by Studio Contromano that stands out. It has a lacquered metal frame and a top in smooth hide leather, ranging in colours from muted hues all the way to vibrant reds and cool blues. ARTISAN FLAIR Suzanne…

‘Lilac fell out of favour for a time but this season it’s making a comeback – albeit in a more sophisticated and less saccharine incarnation. Team it with sleek black furniture, putty grey linens and tactile hand-thrown ceramic accessories in rose pink and charcoal for a smart, gallery-style interior. Finish with vivid deep purple accents to energise the space.’ HELEN SHAW, UK director, Benjamin Moore ‘Lilac is a calming, comforting colour – it makes you want to relax and stay in an interior longer. Ideal for dining rooms to encourage guests to enjoy the food or in bedrooms to help you rest.’ SAFFRON HARE, creative director, James Hare ‘This shade conjures a charming and sophisticated feel, visions of rolling purple fields in Provence with delicate floral scents. Having all the…

FORMAL ROOMS WITH FLAIR FOR me, the biggest challenge of a formal dining room or drawing room is decorating it so that you want to use it more often than just high days and holidays. What is the point of a room that doesn’t have regular usage? Every reception room should have a welcoming and convivial atmosphere. It should be a reflection of the owner’s interests and character, not a soulless space without personality. ■ Adding a working fireplace is one way to give a room a sense of atmosphere and make it feel inviting. We have a fake log gas fire in the formal front sitting room in our home in London and I know that if I didn’t have this, I probably wouldn’t go in there very much.…

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT A garden redesign is the chance to not only enhance its aesthetic appeal, but also to resolve any practical issues – problems that can be stressful and expensive down the line. Joshua Sear, architect and landscape designer at Barlow & Barlow tackled a potentially serious flooding problem in a client’s garden. ‘The garden was actually sloping back down towards the house which meant in wet weather it was flooding the property. To resolve this, we dug down two feet overall and levelled the whole garden. This created proper drainage so the garden and house are now flood proof.’ USE EVERGREEN FORMS FOR DRAMA However small or shady your space, you can still use plants to add impact. Landscape designer Emily Erlam has harnessed their architectural forms in…

A STRONG ACCENT  Serene greys and blues are energised with red notes. JAZZY TOUCH A classic room setting can benefit from bold design decisions – here, a statement piece in lively upholstery creates a focal point. CHECK MATE Colour and pattern on the floor has instant impact. Team with block colour elsewhere to retain a sense of calm. STATEMENT COMBINATION  This decorative wallpaper and reeded panelling mix is a dramatic way to bring red into a small space. A NEW WAVE  On the headboard a neat print in bold red delivers an element of surprise to this organic bedroom.…

Few houses connect with their surroundings as perfectly as the Los Angeles home of lifestyle and fashion guru Jenni Kayne. Tucked away in a canyon to the west of the city, the building is the work of Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen, whose modernist-inspired design appears to bring its wooded setting right into the house itself. ‘There is no real barrier between exterior and interior; the architecture merges with the outdoors,’ he affirms. Jenni, whose eponymous brand offers fashion and interiors staples, approached Vincent in 2015. ‘There was an immediate connection,’ she says. ‘He’s incredible to work with as he really cares about who you are as a family and how you want to function in the space.’ Taking into account the lifestyles of Jenni, her husband Richard Ehrlich –…

I HAVE always been inspired by nature in all its forms. The energy that flowers, buds, plants and leaves can bring to us is profound and vital, and also deeply rewarding. Their beauty fascinates me and infuses so much of my work. From the tiniest speck of a seed or an unassuming gnarled tuber comes forth such magical loveliness and soul. Flowers, leaves, buds and plants make all the difference to any space – breathing life into the walls and the interiors and affecting the way we live within them. PLANTS WITH SOUL ■ For a flower lover, there is nothing quite like spring. It is the season when every tree and shrub seems to put on new clothes, and those that were previously anonymous now jostle with each other…

FOR a grilling experience like no other, it’s hard to match Weber’s all-new SmokeFire Wood Fired Pellet, Stealth Edition. Awarded the Red Dot Product Design Award for 2022, this grill brings new, improved performance and features which centre on exceptional wood-fired flavour through low and slow smoking that will give you an outdoor culinary experience like never before. But this isn’t just a functional piece of kit, this is a barbecue that not only delivers superb cooking results, but looks striking, too – making a design statement in any garden. Its sleek, distinctive, all-black aesthetic is a style triumph to behold. TRUSTED EXPERTISE Weber’s credentials as a leader in barbecue design and manufacturing are deservedly earned thanks to decades of experience. This year, the brand celebrates its 70th anniversary since…

PLAN FIRST ‘An outdoor kitchen is not only a way of expanding the rooms in your house, it also provides a space that feels akin to an entirely different destination – transporting you to warmer climes and a different, more relaxed way of life,’ says Oliver Deadman, head of design, Clive Christian Furniture Co. The first step is to consider the space you have available, the way you like to cook and what you would like to include, from a simple built-in barbecue with preparation space to a fully equipped area with multiple appliances and seating, dining and bar areas to suit large-scale entertaining. LAYOUT Many outdoor kitchens are built against an external wall of the house, typically from about 3m long. ‘Increasingly, we are seeing more people want to…

BLURRED LINES In this main en suite by interior designer Beata Heuman, carrying the same colour tones over multiple surfaces helps to blur out awkward angles and sloped ceiling lines. ‘All the walls and the bath are clad in Béton Ciré, which is a micro concrete paste and totally waterproof,’ explains Beata. ‘The idea here was to make the space feel warm and earthy, unlike most bathrooms. The wooden floor continues in from the bedroom, which connects the suite of rooms and also makes it feel more spacious.’ The characterful vanity, made from a rustic antique table, cuts a strong silhouette against the plastered walls. GOING ALL OUT In a seriously narrow bathroom, it’s worth utilising every space-boosting trick in the book. Here, a continuous stretch of flooring reaches right…

1 PLANT PERFECTION Plants with interesting textures and shapes are key to sensory gardens. Try including a mix of contrasting forms to create visual interest. ‘In this design [at Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens] Mexican feather grass works well along the front of the border and is so tactile you want to stroke it,’ says head gardener Åsa Gregers-Warg. ‘It’s teamed with the burnt-orange spires of foxtail lily ‘Cleopatra’.’ Sea holly with its spiny rosettes of flowers introduces another shape. 2 MAGICAL REFLECTIONS A tranquil setting, characterised by straight lines, simple shapes and a coherent layout, provides a comfortable space for retreat from modern-day life. The reflections add a magical element to the water, helping to create the feeling of a sanctuary. As well as letting you divide the garden…

1 ITALIANATE DESIGN This hillside garden in Portofino was designed by Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen. The hard landscaping is softened with a profusion of Mediterranean plants. Hundreds of indigenous cypress, olive and lemon trees were air-lifted and planted in groves between salvaged pines, all intrinsic to the character of the new Italianate gardens. Exotic succulent Agave americana ‘Variegata’ brings contrasting texture and pattern to the upper terraces. 2 PLENTIFUL PLANTING Plants for Mediterranean gardens are selected for ease of care, year-long interest and drought tolerance. Repeat plantings are typical, as shown in this design by Stephen Woodhams. ‘Here you see ancient olives with linear planting beneath – Aloe arborescens followed by Cineraria maritima, then rosemary, then Pittosporum tobira and Santolina incana. I love to include red freesia in my…

1 A PLACE TO RELAX We often think of more formal zones in an entertaining garden, but what about a more laid-back approach? Pick a high-performance material designed especially for outdoor use and let your imagination find inventive ways to showcase it. ‘For this daybed we used Persian Voyage, a beautiful botanical paisley from our archive, recoloured in a rich pink,’ explains Genevieve Bennett, head of design for Liberty Interiors. ‘The atmosphere is relaxed bohemian elegance with a contemporary twist.’ 2 SPECIFIC ZONES If you have a rooftop deck or terrace area, you can still section it off into zones that each have a purpose – in the same way as you would in a big garden. Use rectangular planters to divide the space, like this balcony in London’s Floral…

AT ITS simplest, no-dig gardening involves mulching soil with compost, rather than laboriously digging it over, thereby boosting the soil’s natural ecosystem. There are many benefits to this method of gardening, which can save time as it cuts out the need to spend hours weeding and digging over beds and borders, and by improving the soil health it will also help you achieve bigger and better plants and crops. THE NO-DIG METHOD ‘No-dig leaves soil undisturbed, and instead you feed the masses of soil life with organic matter on the surface, as happens in nature,’ explains Charles Dowding, the pioneer of no-dig gardening and world authority on the subject. The organic matter, such as homemade compost, well-rotted manure, leaf mulch or other compostable materials will, over time, decompose as the…

WHEN designing a small garden the space needs to be used as efficiently as possible, incorporating a degree of flexibility since it’s a multi-purpose area used for a range of activities. ‘Think very carefully about how you will use the space and plan it accordingly,’ says designer John Wyer. ‘The biggest mistake is to try and fit too much in,’ he adds. Many garden designers base their plans on a series of squares and rectangles that work well in small, regular-shaped plots as zoned areas. Others design layouts on the diagonal, which can make the space seem larger. There are lots of other tricks that can help, too. If you want to hide the boundaries to give the illusion of space, for example, paint fences black and they will seem…

WITH past collaborations including, among others, the decorator Michael S. Smith, the fashion house Erdem and the model Kate Moss, the hand-painted wallpaper house de Gournay’s turned to a new source of decorative inspiration for its latest collection. Unveiled during Paris Déco Off 2022, the renowned Parisian designer Vincent Darré – described variously as an ‘anarchist of good taste’ and the ‘enfant terrible of French design’ – has bought his unique style to a trio of exclusive designs. The launch of the wallpapers – each one is conceived as a journey through a noble French pavilion – caused a considerable stir. The tinderbox of inspiration had been hidden in plain sight for years: the de Gournay showroom on the Left Bank of Paris has a small flat upstairs that has…

FLUID LINES  Abstract wallpaper in painterly sea colours applied to a single wall or recess acts as a compelling backdrop for shapely vessels and evokes the tones and textures of the coast. WARM WELCOME A rug with a rhythmic design that suggests light patterns on shallow water is the focal point for an entrance area with sand-tone walls. A round marble table and decorative wall light paired with display pieces in chalky white and sea green create a sophisticated feel. NATURAL BEAUTY This modern coastal look is all about naturalistic textures and small waves of ocean hues – from deep, dark blues to fresh sea greens and bright coral. SERENE SCENE Exposed rafters and neutral walls create a coastal-style backdrop in an open-plan living room. Sculptural shapes – including a…

1 A BOLD APPROACH I don’t believe that stripes ever truly go out of fashion, but right now they seem to be everywhere and picking up pace as a design staple. These impressive stripes, created by artist Russell Loughlan in his Georgian cottage in Kent, have been achieved with a steady hand and a few rolls of masking tape. Note the change of tone and shadow effect in the section under the picture rail, which I think softens the look and makes it more appropriate for a bedroom. If you don’t have the inclination to paint, simply choose a wallpaper. 2 CUSTOM-BUILT BEAUTY Heritage style is about creating a classic, timeless and easy-to-live-with home and hard-working storage will keep everything simple and in check. Once you've found a long-term place,…

BETTER THINGS FOR THE GARDEN Developed by landscape designer Emily Erlam, this offers products, including pots, tools and clothing. betterthingsgarden.co.uk AUTHENTIC RECLAMATION This salvage specialist is a great source for unique pieces including building materials such as bricks and paving. authentic-reclamation.co.uk BARLOW TYRIE Starting with teak pieces, this leading outdoor furniture manufacturer has expanded to include ranges in steel, aluminium and weave.teak.com TAPESTRY VERTICAL GARDENS This London-based specialist installs living walls using its proprietary hydroponic system. tapestryverticalgardens.com…

Their stays in Airbnbs led Victoria and Jed Cairo both to their country home in the Berkshires, Massachusetts, and to interior designer and architect duo Sachs Lindores. ‘Jed and I were always taking weekends away but one B&B was notable. I remember looking at the art and furnishings thinking, this is not your typical owner,’ says Victoria, who is training as a doula while Jed is the founder of investment firm Juxtapose. An investigation revealed the house belonged to Daniel Sachs and Kevin Lindores. Victoria and Jed earmarked those names for a revisit when they came to buy. A recommendation from a friend had prompted the couple to consider the town of Great Barrington, two and a half hour’s drive from New York City, for escapes. ‘It had a great…

For 10 years the Chianti farmhouse that Lauren Clancy shares with her husband stood empty. Last renovated in 1973, the property was a neglected mess of broken tiles, avocado bath fittings and warren-like rooms. ‘Although we knew it would require a huge amount of imagination and work, we immediately had a vision for it. It absolutely seduced us,’ says Lauren. Spending their summers in Maine, US-born Lauren and her financier husband were looking for an alternative home from September to June to break up the long London winters. Lauren, who has trained in garden design and completed a four-year course in herbal medicine, was eager to find somewhere with land she could cultivate. ‘We’d spent ages looking for a property in Mallorca but were repeatedly disappointed. Then a friend suggested…

GREEN SCENE Carrara has competition – the latest natural stones are all about green, the undisputed kitchen colour hero for 2022. ‘There’s a definite trend towards more impactful surface choices and we’re seeing demand soar for nature-inspired shades,’ reports Oliver Webb, director of stone specialist Cullifords. ‘From Indian marbles to Brazilian granites and even onyx, there’s a huge array of exotic green stones to be explored.’ The incredible bottle green, khaki and fresh lime tones seen here are courtesy of Verde Gauguin granite, £790sq m, Cullifords. PARQ LIFE Those seeking an alternative to herringbone or chevron flooring should check out mansion weave. Originating in 17th-century French mansions, this pattern is being revived for a new audience. While the latest incarnation shares the same polygons and trapezoids as the original, chunkier…

BIG GREEN EGG Designed as a complete outdoor cooking system, the Big Green Egg, from £795, is an all-in-one grill, roaster, smoker and outdoor oven.biggreenegg.co.uk CHESNEYS The Heat & Grill, £1,949, does double duty – combining a barbecue and woodburning stove with eco-friendly technology in one.chesneys.co.uk KETTLER The sleek Neo outdoor kitchen, £7,499, includes a six-burner barbecue, drinks fridge, storage compartments, sink, tap and wooden chopping board. kettler.co.uk MORSØ The cast iron Forno outdoor oven, £1,199, is for fans of homemade wood-fired pizza, as well as those who enjoy grilling steaks, smoking fish and baking bread. morsoe.com…

MAKING AN ENTRANCE Today’s bathrooms are increasingly seen as more than purely functional spaces. With some careful thought, they can be designed as restful retreats for relaxing at the end of a busy day or in times of stress, and as centres of wellbeing in our homes where we can recharge. With this in mind, design starts from the door, which can aid soundproofing and mark a change in mood. ‘By creating an impressive entrance, we can evoke the feeling of arriving in a luxury hotel suite, closing the door on the noise of the world and enjoying a sense of calm and privacy,’ says Helen Bygraves, interior designer and co-founder of Hill House Interiors, who has recently clad a set of double doors in luxurious diamond-stitched leather (see opposite)…

SUMMER TOMATO SAUCE WITH PACCHERI SERVES 4 350g dried pasta, such as paccheri, penne, rigatoni or farfalle 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped ½-1 fresh red chilli, depending on strength, or ½ tsp dried chilli flakes 200g fresh ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped 2 large sprigs of basil, leaves roughly torn Salt 25g finely grated Parmesan or Grana Padano ■ Make sure you have all the ingredients to hand and then cook the pasta in a large pan of well-salted boiling water. ■ Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the garlic and chilli for 1-2 minutes, but no more as they will burn. Add the tomatoes, half the basil and some salt. Squash the tomatoes using the back of a spoon. When…

LAYOUT There are two possibilities in terms of layout. You can opt for a series of interactions with separate zones that stimulate each of the senses, such as sitting next to a pond or enjoying the sound of wind-rustled leaves. Or choose a multi-sensory experience where you engage with everything simultaneously, like walking along a gravel path bordered by colourful scented plants. Either way, it’s important to include resting spots with seating so you can interact close up. FRAGRANCE Choose plants with fragrance that drenches the air such as mock orange (philadelphus), roses, jasmine and honeysuckle, as well as the curry plant (Helichrysum italicum), which is beautifully scented on warm days. As an extra sensory layer include plants with scents that need to be experienced up close by brushing your…

PLANNING Evoking the feel of the Mediterranean has a lot to do with the choice of planting, but the materials used for hard landscaping are also important, as is creating alfresco sitting and dining areas. Many Mediterranean gardens are centred on gravel and warm-toned paving, linking terraces and relaxed dining areas shaded by pergolas smothered in flowering climbers. PLANTING ADVICE Spring is an ideal time for planting a Mediterranean garden, when the soil has warmed up a little - ideal for avoiding root rot after wet, cold winters. Select the right plant for the right place, considering both soil and aspect. The closest you can mimic a plant’s native growing conditions the more chance it will thrive with little maintenance required. ‘Mediterranean plants have evolved to enjoy long, sunny days,…

PLANNING Make sure you include the right elements. Eating and drinking arrangements are at the top of the list, followed by practicalities such as heating, lighting, shade and shelter. Then all you have to think about is styling up the different spaces you’ve created to add comfort and adding the finishing decorative touches for special occasions. POWER OF ZONES The best entertaining gardens are enticing because they zone the available space to include a seating area with sofas for lounging, a covered dining space for alfresco eating and a focal point, such as a firepit or outdoor fireplace to gather around for relaxed evenings. In a larger garden, you might choose to position a pergola a step away from the house, to give guests an area to retreat to. Even…

TAKE the time to observe your garden and work out how best to use the space. The key thing about a north-facing plot is to make it work to your advantage. Before planning a design or choosing any new plants, first work out where the sun hits the garden and at what time of day. ‘Draw a sun diagram and track how the sun moves around the space,’ suggests designer Catherine Clancy. ‘North-facing gardens will always have areas without any light and areas of sunshine that are often towards the far end of the garden that are perfect for a sunny seating area and sun-loving plants.’ FLIP THE LAYOUT TO SUIT THE SUN Dropping the idea of having the seating area near the house is often a good plan with…

THE issue of overlooked gardens is a tricky one but there are some easy solutions to fix this. Treat garden boundaries as if you were decorating your interior walls and look for creative ways to enhance the aesthetic. See them as an opportunity to extend privacy and create a more intimate feel in your garden. Use these surfaces as an extension of your garden style, a chance to grow vertically, to help stretch your space visually and to introduce a different mood at night with ambient lighting to make the focus very much on your garden and not those around it. BORROW VIEWS AND INCORPORATE THEM INTO YOUR OWN DESIGN The key to overlooked gardens is not to block out everything but to borrow adjacent views that work with your…