We created a simple uncompromisingly modern feel using cool stainless steel, and mellow Iroko timber for the deck and pale grey render; this colour is a great foil for evergreen planting. The linear geometry of the deck is complimented by fragrant flowering climbers and architectural planting in galvanised steel containers. Allium christophii seedheads in the foreground are held up with the surrounding rosemary.

A Mediterranean feel is created using Nerium oleander, an evergreen shrub with pale pink flowers all summer. Trachelospermum jasminoides, also evergreen and producing sprays of fragrant white flowers and late flowering Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette' are in the foreground.

Opposite the bottom step is the spiky foliage if Iris 'Jane Phillips' (one of the few scented Iris germanica and a glorious mid blue in May).

The strong vertical leaf of the Phormium cookianum and mounds of Pittosporum tobira 'Nanum' combine well in this galvanised steel trough.

They look even better against the cool grey of the rendered wall.