The original north facing site was dark and enclosed, with a tall expanse of brickwork and a 1940's concrete bomb shelter taking up much of the site.

The clients knew nothing about plants and had no time for high-maintenance borders. Yet, after modernising the interior of their Georgian terrace house, they wanted an outdoor space that flowed from the open-plan ground-floor living space and worked as a relaxing outdoor room.

Hard materials were limited to wooden decking outside the glass doors, slate tiles and rendered block-work for the walls. The planting is restrained to just three plant species that look good all year round.

A screen of the black bamboo, Phyllostachys nigra, uplit at night, throws dramatic shadows across the back wall, while the fragrant climber Trachelospermum jasminoides scrambles up the trellis, and drought tolerant astelias spill out of slim planters.

With a simple table and stools, this is a simple yet stylish venue for al fresco suppers or parties throughout the year.

Plants list