Sweeping through abundant planting on both sides, a curved path leads from the terrace outside the house to the dining area at the rear, where, until a year ago, an unused home office occupied the sunniest part of this north-facing garden. Backing on to an old cemetery, the view belies the fact that this is a London garden close to the Thames at Mortlake. An established purple Acer was retained, but otherwise an entirely new planting scheme was designed to reflect the clients' taste for bold colour, also evident in their mix of garden furniture. A small shed for essential garden tools has replaced the home office and will soon be screened by a scented evergreen climber. By next year the fences too will be clothed in colourful clematis. The choice of pale Breedon gravel for the path and dining area is suitably informal and off-sets the bright planting.