This border was a nearly blank canvas, with just a few young shrubs and a lot of empty space. The client brief was to create a plant-filled border with lots of colour and interest through the year. The site is challenging, with shade cast by fences and buildings, and the remains of previous tree roots that had to be removed. Now in its second season, the planting is beginning to fill out well.

The client wanted an underwhelming border under mature trees re-stocked for more impact. We changed the shape of the border for more sweeping curves and chose mainly woodland edge plants, with sunnier areas on the edges of the border replanted with existing plants that require more sun. Now in its second season, the planting is maturing nicely.

This border was created around an electricity pole to draw attention away from the pole, but it wasn't really working. We enlarged the border to create more of an impact and filled it with colourful sun-loving grasses, shrubs and perennials. Now in its second season, the grasses and perennials are beginning to fill out the space.

This border was overgrown with self-seeded trees, climbing roses gone wild and lots of weeds. The re-design aims for impact all year round, with soft colours and evergreen structure. The new planting was completed this spring and is establishing well despite the scorching summer, thanks to the owner's diligent watering. Until the shrubs grow to fill the space, gaps have been filled with tall, colourful annuals.

This small town garden was designed by the owner to be a contemporary mediterranean garden. I can only claim credit for ongoing maintenance and the addition of more hydrangeas. I just love the calm elegance of this space!

This border was filling up with wild garlic and ground elder, and other plants were failing to thrive. The owner asked for a clear-out and re-stock with new plants. This border has heavy clay soil, so plants suited to these conditions were chosen. Keeping on top of the wild garlic and ground elder is an ongoing job!