Our client is a keen gardener and wanted to set up the framework for pursuing his hobby for growing produce and tending his collection of bulbs. We were also asked to create an inviting and functional entertaining area off the living room. This presented our main design challenge since the living spaces open to the narrow side area facing north and this also steps up the hill toward the rear garden. Our solution was to construct some broad timber steps and decks that simultaneously link the levels, provide casual seating, and also house storage inside. The views from the living area focus on a new stone courtyard wall with a water feature filling the area with the sound of trickling water. The upper garden area incorporates a curvaceous lawn and a collection of trees selected for their various foliage and flowering colours throughout the seasons. A productive area with raised vege beds and several dwarf fruit trees provides the owner with crops throughout the year. The street front has been transformed into a simple formal entry statement, with space between evergreen plantings for seasonal bulbs and perennial flowers.