My first meeting with this warm client from New Zealand started with a conversation over which of us would sit on the terrace that was too small for two. Now there are two terraces, for morning and evening sun and up to eight can now dine in style.

This client tells me regularly that she goes out into the garden every day, whatever the weather, because there is always something new to enjoy and photograph.

• Existing plants were reserved and replanted in the new scheme

• The soil on some parts of the site was little more than subsoil. Rather than digging out and replacing, we added organic matter when planting and with the thick layer of gravel mulch plants have responded well.

• Soakerhose irrigation (made of recycled tyres) is installed under the gravel mulch, which significantly reduces evaporation.

• Increased biodiversity by removing the lawn, increasing the planting on the ground and vertical surfaces and adding two small blossoming trees, one of which will offer berries to birds well into the winter.