The concept behind the renovation was to give the area a calming, oriental feeling, without producing a typical Asian-style garden. Some existing plants were retained and worked into a much more interesting design for a functional entrance with an informal feel. Solving the drainage problems, the loose rock retaining wall was replaced by an impermeable freeform concrete version with drainage behind, providing structure without formality. Much in the same manner, additional bluestone pavers were used to break the straight edge of the existing paving, creating a fractured path towards the new feature pond. The pond mirrors the shape of the freeform retaining wall and the centrepiece, a handmade glass fountain, provides the new focus for the garden. Constructed from recycled glass panes stacked one on top of the other, (a task which took 2 weeks and a lot of patience!), the fountain reflects the curving shapes in the garden, the luminous greens of the planting and is a stunning highlight against the dark background. Contrary to interior design rules, dark wall colours in the garden tend to make the boundary recede and the space appear bigger. Painting the fence enabled the background to disappear, highlighting the plants and giving the entire area the illusion of more space.

The troublesome lawn was replaced with random shaped bluestone pavers, spaced amongst the lush green groundcover, Pratia pedunculata. Sheets of welded reinforcing mesh provide climbing frames for espaliered Tangelos and an interesting mix of colour and texture throughout the planting ensures this once soggy garden is now a delight to the senses year round.