Actor Helen Mirren, incidentally a knowledgeable horticulture enthusiast, had just moved back to one of their properties formerly rented out and wanted to revitalize the space with color.
We first cleared the garden of unnecessary and unattractive hardscape, then painted the glaring garden wall a muted brown to set off the plants we would bring in later. This micro-climate supported exotic bromeliads, and brightly colored filtered shade plants.
We left some areas beyond the rose garden a little wild to allow for a multitude of experiences as one moves through the space.