The Modern Estate Garden shows how an ordinary family garden can combine practical living space with plenty of planting interest throughout the year. Designed around the needs of a busy family, it brings together a patio for relaxing, eating and entertaining, a lawn for play, planted borders and a hidden circular patio.

A winding path leads beneath a pergola to a shaded seating area, creating a quieter corner to enjoy away from the main garden. Climbers cover the fences, making the most of the vertical space, while shrubs and carefully chosen perennials bring colour, texture and variety to the borders.

There is something to discover in every season. Spring brings fresh growth and flowers from Bergenia, Pulmonaria and Primula, followed by summer colour from Geraniums, Campanula, Potentilla and flowering shrubs. In autumn, Asters, Sedum and Hydrangeas extend the display, while the changing leaves of the Cercidiphyllum fill the air with a distinctive, sweet fragrance. Even in winter, the garden retains interest through colourful stems, evergreen foliage, berries, scent from Sarcococca and the sculptural seed heads of Clematis tangutica.

The Modern Estate Garden demonstrates that even a modest space can accommodate the practical demands of family life while offering a varied and rewarding garden to enjoy throughout the year.