This North London garden was created for a real plantsman, with interesting planting for both sun and shade. The clients’ Victorian brick-built property with its contemporary zinc-clad extension provided the cue for the materials palette: a generous reclaimed slate terrace is edged with London stock brick and shingle, while slate stepping stones trace a precise line around the circular lawn, leading to a play area, kitchen garden and a very lovely shed. The brief was to maximise both lawn and borders, while allowing for a generous terrace, protecting the mature trees and not forgetting the need for a play area and raised edibles bed.