This is a small walled garden in East Dulwich. It is unusual in that the entrance to the garden is through a side gate and not through the back door. This is exciting as it means that the designer can determine the movement through the garden. The main design problem is that the garden is long and triangular.

Steps lead down to a brick-edged circular lawn and then to a smaller and seclude second circular deck.

All the decks were stained to give an aged appearance.

The planting, when it matures in a couple of years will surround the whole garden and make it feel a very private space - the idea was to make it feel like you were being cuddled by the garden.

As the majority of the garden is in shade, this determined many of the plants used.

The feel is soft, natural and 'cottagey'. A curtain of tall grasses and Verbena bonariensis act as a screen when entering the garden so it is revealed gradually, creating a sense of mystery.