Suburban Sun, York

A blank canvas, this narrow, north-facing garden in central York was a wonderful opportunity to create a garden to get away from the office, relax and entertain in.

Making use of the aspect of the garden, a seating area is found at the rear of the space to take in the sunshine, dine, or gather with friends. An occasional canopy can be erected on permanent posts for shade, privacy, and shelter from an April shower.

An occasional seating area will be positioned along the path complete with two concrete 'pebble' seats. Facing away from the house, the seats are hidden from view and provide a seclusive informal space.

A sinuous gravel pathway allows a journey through dense planting, linking the house and garden. Timber arbors indicate the route of the path and also provide a structure to hang washing - a facility not to be overlooked in a design!

The existing shed has been relocated nearer the service path and painted black. Less conspicuous here, it will also be enveloped by plants to soften its appearance.

The narrow passage at the house will be repaved and a curved bench will be crafted to mirror the curves in the path. An opening in the corner will be made to allow for a climbing shrub to grow up the walls.

Planting in this garden is dense, spilling over the pathway, softening and creating an informal aesthetic. Nearer the house, shade-loving plants taking cues from woodland, will dominate, becoming more sun-loving as we move through the garden. Upright in form, a few carefully placed fine-leaved trees provide screening from neighbours, draw wildlife into the garden, and dappled shade. Dense planting is not only great to look at but serves a purpose. It helps to blur the boundaries and outlook, making the garden feel larger and provide privacy.