This garden is on a steep slope, in a semi-rural location on the outskirts of Newbury and is being constructed in phases.

The deck was immediately accessible from the house but, due to the hillside location, it was significantly higher than the main lawn beside it. Reducing the slope on the lawn and adding new planting around it as a first stage has created a more useable space, better connection between the house and the garden and a noticeable increase in buzzing insect life.

• Soil-filled bags chosen to create a retaining structure over a retaining wall - no concrete, cement or stone products were needed

• Border areas were cleared of weeds by smothering rather than spraying

• Planting includes native hedging and flowering shrubs and as well as ornamentals with long seasonal interest

• Two new Crab Apples provide nectar rich blossom and autumn fruit for birds (and to make crab apple jelly!)

• Plug plants and bareroot shrubs have been successfully planted into the retaining structure

• New steps created by re-using removed decking and edging boards. Recycled plastic lawn edging was used

• Soakerhose irrigation (made of recycled tyres) has been installed under a deep mulch for efficient irrigation during plant establishment. It can be be lifted and reused in other newly planted areas in the future