Although we were faced with utilitarian paving, we were able to run riot with shape, habit, texture and colour to dress this seaside courtyard.

Old walls were washed with pale ultramarine which formed the perfect background tone for Pittosporum tobira, Clematis 'Mrs Robert Brydon', orange flowered geum, Anemanthele lessonina and Rhodochiton atrosanguineus.

Hedychium coccineum 'Tara' planted with Solanum laciniatum, Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Filigran', Nerium oleander and Atriplex halimus. Solanum laciniatum thrives in the warm, sheltered conditions giving long flowering interest followed by globular orange fruits. Runner beans 'Painted Lady' and Solanum jasminoides.The morning glory, Ipomoea 'Heavenly Blue' gives endless joy.