Hanson

This garden has four definite sections which surround a large palm to create a very formal and structured design. The straight lines of the granite sets help to give the space a sense of order, dramatically defining the whole area. The lavender however, softens the corners, providing pale green colour and summer scents and gives a clean, contemporary feel.

The colours of the planting complement the black and white cobbles with the contrasting spiky red palm and the more rounded deep green bay tree. Most of the planting is low maintenance although the bay and the lavender hedge will have to be trimmed to keep them neat.

For best results follow the step-by-step build process below

		Mark out your plot and scrape off the top layer of soil to between 50mm and 100mm deep. Make sure the ground is level and cover the plot with a weed preventing membrane.

		Lay the perimeter granite sets on a mortar bed with sufficient foundation to secure them. Next, lay the internal dividing walls and marry with the centre square in the same fashion. A second, smaller square of granite sets needs to be laid onto the first centre square as shown in the picture. Spread the mortar in between them as well, rather like laying bricks, although you can be much less accurate and random in placing them. Allow a little time for the mortar to start to set.

		Once the basic walls have been constructed and allowed to set, place the plants into position by cutting crossed slits in the weed prevention membrane, digging them in and watering well.

		Spread the black and white cobbles within the granite sets as shown and set the small angel whirlpool cobbles in the centre square.

		Finally set the remaining angel whirlpool cobbles onto the black cobbles and larger whirlpool boulders onto the white cobbles.

For a 2m x 2m garden like ours you will need:

Granite sets 140 pieces

Angel whirlpool boulders 6 - 10 pieces

Angel whirlpool cobbles 1 - 2 Maxipacks

White cobbles 6 Maxipacks

Black cobbles 6 Maxipacks

Sand and mortar To suit

All quantities are approximate and are meant as a guide only.