A garden shouldn’t give everything away in one fell swoop, unless you are after a croquet lawn. I believe it should invite curiosity and conjure the child in us all. Even in a tiny back garden it is possible to create an element of mystery and surprise – draw us into other realms. It is here that we tap into our greatest imaginations.

With the above in mind, a garden design must also acknowledge the needs, capabilities and limitations of its caretaker. Luckily, both landscaping materials and the plant world have numerous contenders for all types of gardener – low maintenance, obsessive-compulsive or laissez faire. When I meet clients, this is my first consideration and I will organise my designs around these requirements.

What is the desired look, feel and function and who will be maintaining the space once it has been achieved? Good garden design also recognises not only the site in question but its relationship to neighbouring buildings and the wider landscape. No garden exists on its own and understanding context is key to the ultimate appreciation and interaction with this space.

Our engagement with the natural environment has never been so important and I try to incorporate natural planting schemes where possible that will attract and encourage wildlife. I am a keen supporter of native plants and perennial grasses as these better withstand disease and environmental problems, thus eliminating the need for pesticides.

Naturalistic planting isn’t limited to prairies – it can be seamlessly incorporated into contemporary designs, retaining form but softening harsher elements and connecting with the extended landscape – allowing for the design trends of slick modernism but underpinned with sustainability.