A good garden design needs to strengthen the link between the house and its surroundings. A successful design helps to make a house and garden ‘look right’ together and to work well practically speaking. But equally it really needs to fit with the owners’ ideals, aspirations, wishes and dreams. For some it might be a place primarily for entertaining and socializing. For others a garden becomes a sanctuary or retreat for time spent closer to the earth, to regain a connection to the seasons and to appreciate quietness and harmony. Other garden owners with families will have different priorities, needing a safe place for their children to play and perhaps a bed or two for those first home-grown tomatoes and sunflowers, as well as place to sit and enjoy that all important glass of wine after a busy week, when the kids have gone to bed!