This garden, like many gardens, needs to work hard. It has to be a relaxing space for adults to entertain, be easy to look after and most of all to provide a space where two budding footballers can have a kickabout. The L shape of the space lends itself to a goal at one end, where dark paint and horizontal trellis will help to reduce the visual impact of the wall behind the goal. Planting is light and bouncy – soft grasses which footballs will have minimal impact on – with prettier, more delicate planting near the seating area by the house.