Sometimes the smallest designs take the longest. Not through lack of choice, planting restriction or site access, but rather that the options are many and varied.

But a requirement to be viewed from both sides - seen up close within the house and from the main garden three floors below - and with width restrictions limiting the appealing overlap of plants, this roof top garden needed restraint and careful plant selection to ensure the right blend of shape, form, colour, scale and seasonality.

The result is a lovely mix of interest and colour year round, with little suprises popping up to delight.

By far the smallest garden Nick has designed but arguably the one that gave the most satisfaction.

The moral: never let a challenge get in the way of a good plant.

Location: Richmond

Client: Private, Residential

Status: Completed

Project: Private balcony, Residential, Town and Roof Gardens