Passionate plant lover, these clients wanted a soft, cottage style in this part of their garden.

South facing, this side of the house is a suntrap and ideal for many varieties of fragrant plants. This simple terrace of natural stone, just big enough for a table and four chairs, is not only the focal point of the garden but is used regularly as a family dining room in good weather.

The carefully chosen planting provides year-round colour and texture and even, in this case, fragrance and some protection on a windy day.

The main planting here is two varieties of lavender;

Lavandula stoechas (french lavender) - occurs naturally in the Mediterranean region and is a perennial shrub with greyish leaves and pink-purplish flowers.

Lavandula angustifolia – more fragile and more resinous with its oils.