Designer Harry Lockersmith has transformed an urban orchard into a stylish, wildlife-friendly garden for a couple who love mid-century design as much as they love nature.

Designers are regularly asked for wildlife gardens, and for spaces that complement the house. What was different here is that the house is an architect-designed, mid-century building, constructed from engineering bricks, concrete and copper, and that the clients loved California and wanted a West Coast vibe. The task of marshalling these demands into a cohesive whole fell to designer Barbara Samitier, who had been recommended to owners Lizzie O’Grady and John Cunningham. Barbara's plan was to allow the materials and proportions of the house to dictate the feel of the areas closest to it, with a gradual loosening of control further away.

My gardener does the heavy jobs, which in spring involves sorting out the two compost heaps, mulching the beds and pruning the larger trees and shrubs.

Editor in chief