Just back from a wedding in Toulouse, which took place in the grounds of the bride’s parents’ home. It was the stuff of A Place in the Sun dreams. An ivy-covered red-brick house with Toulouse-blue shutters and a pool, perched on rolling green fields. The highlight though, was a central rose-filled courtyard with space enough for 150 people to mingle over a barbeque.

No, that’s not it. That’s the mossy light well in the er, ‘grounds’ of my home. Post-wedding, I’m picturing this with patio furniture and a couple of mandles. Yup, I’ve been inspired to think bigger than a trio of shade-loving plants. Let’s consider how other people have approached similar plots (I say similar…).

Apparently, with ostentatious vertical gardens…

With (more than three) pot plants…

With trees…

And – not very neighbourly if you live in a terrace – outdoor showers.

Don’t expect a real reveal from here, the only place my project is happening is in my mind. Even there I think a party of 150 is pushing it.