"The demands of the urban environment seem never ending, so it's not surprising that people who live in towns and cities want to make the most of their gardens. Realistic Retreat offers a contemporary and feasible garden for a couple living in a city.

"The garden balances hard and soft landscaping, with York handmade bricks used on two sides. A mixture of perennials, grasses and shrubs soften the design. A stone sculpture by Pierre Bidaud, is a focal point which can be seen from the house. Plants include Astrantia roma, Euphorbia x martini, Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus', lavender and Viburnum davidii."