Although very much a family garden, with the children having reached their teens, there was no longer a necessity for the swimming pool to be fenced off for safety. This area needed to be integrated into the remainder of the garden with an interesting route which connected more easily with the house. After several design options were considered, a linking area between the house and the swimming pool garden was designed and constructed as an oriental water garden, with a traditional style Tea House and plants such as a specimen Ilex Crenata (Topiary Cloud Tree). This area now provides a contemplative and relaxing area for my client who was raised in the Far East. The main terrace at the back of the house, which had been paved with weeds and crazy paving slabs, was enlarged and given a more elegant feel for entertaining. Views were opened up to the sports lawn and woodland beyond. Lush planting, new paving and a dining area under a pergola were designed around the swimming pool. The front garden and driveway approach to the house were simplified to provide a more stylish approach to the Tudor style house. A Box parterre was designed for the front of the house, with an all-white, shade tolerant planting scheme. An Iroko arch and gate separate the front garden from the back.