My plant palette originally came out of enchantment with the deciduous woodland garden of my childhood but steadily evolved into appreciating more and more, the majesty of our forest trees, our subtle native palette of multiple greens and browns, and the marvellous intricate diversity of all our indigenous plants.

The aim of this garden was to create an abundant soft sanctuary, block out the school buildings next door and two ugly 1980s towers to the north, but leave enough lawn for my children. 

I started planting using what was current in the mid-80s, building up from a bare kikuyu-ridden patch, an old tecoma hedge, scrappy bougainvillea and an unloved pink camellia. 

The last 25 years have seen my original and newer trees mature and the planting palette evolve into the creation of a fully subtropical and intense mini forest.  

It has developed its own ecology and brings insects and birds in increasing numbers, as well as a great deal of pleasure.