This book features courtyard designs and features for every lifestyle and type of outdoor space. It includes ideas to capture the pleasure of living outside, from smart spaces and design statements, to places for entertaining and relaxation. It contains five case studies: a smart, formal courtyard, a terrace for entertaining, an edible Eden, a haven for contemplation, and a modern seashore courtyard. It includes hard-landscaping and plant directories, with guidance on choosing the most suitable materials, surfaces, boundaries and other decorative features, and on how to grow spectacular courtyard plants. It is illustrated throughout with over 300 photographs by Steven Wooster. Whether you have a courtyard garden, a small terrace or a tiny patio, this book offers a host of inspirational designs. Joan Clifton celebrates the enclosed garden space, providing ideas for transforming the smallest courtyard into a peaceful haven. Each section looks at a different style of courtyard, highlighting the key features of each, whether this is hard landscaping, well-planted containers or atmospheric lights, trickling water and rustling plants. Garden plans, advice on materials, and suggestions for planting are all included. Whether starting from scratch or transforming an existing space, this book has all you need to create a stylish garden retreat that captures the essence of outdoor living.

Joan Clifton is a professional horticulturalist at the forefront of garden design. Following a career in fashion, architecture and set design, Joan trained in horticulture and landscape design. Her company, Avant Garden, creates metalwork forms for outside spaces. Joan has written Garden Elements (also Aquamarine) which was nominated as 'Most Inspiring Book of the Year' at the Garden Writers' Guild Awards in 2000.