The owner of a beautifully refurbished, early Victorian villa in north London wanted an abundantly planted parterre in rich and vibrant colours to complement his home and to stroll in and relax with a whiskey and a cigar.

The unconventional parterre was given a contemporary twist by cutting across the circle with asymmetrical beds and an offset centre.  This unexpected treatment of a classic design approach also gives an increased perception of space and secrecy.

Granite setts define the planting beds and sit proud of pathways of crunchy, crushed granite, linking the garden with a sleek granite terrace and the gunmetal of the Victorian porch. The parterre is framed with a simple circle of box hedging, echoed with box balls and wedges. Arbutus and bay standards add formal three-dimensionality. Climbing plants scramble and intertwine up the garden walls to offer vertical, seasonal colour.  A yew hedge screens the rear and provides a solid foil for grasses, perennials, English roses and small shrubs in vibrant reds, oranges, copper, purples and blues.  A bench nestles in an arc of box to catch the evening sun.

Photographs by Marianne Marjerus.