In this simple structured garden, we focused on softening the pool area to minimise the impact of the pool fencing and therefore make the garden and pool feel more connected.

Embracing an imperfect and overgrown feel, we opened the top area behind the pool creating long wide stairs that give the feeling of width to this long, skinny block.

The planted step risers soften the face to ensure the stairs don’t overpower the space, while the widened pool coping creates symmetry. Structured and simple layered planting around the boundary is complemented by one flowering bed, which flowers at different times of the year, adding a mix of Lavender, Japanese Wind Flowers and Echium to the more structured Pittosporum.