A long and thin garden overlooking Brook Green in West London presented a strong challenge to James in 2017 – how to make it look interesting while at the same time finding solutions to many problems. Namely, being overlooked by a large school at the back of the garden, the long and thin aspect as well as having a large change in level. The cedar pergola doubles up as the storage unit and the lawn becomes more of a stage for the surrounding plants to perform their wonder. Espaliered fruit trees break up the sunny walls whilst silver birch trees provide more privacy and structure from the west facing side. The stepping stones and raised beds, filled with flowering perennials, help break up the garden and create an interesting dynamic. Finally x5 mature and evergreen Prunus lusitania angustifolia provide privacy from the school at the back of the garden.