Small outdoor area makeover

‘The banksia tree was kept and mulched with large river stones to match the sandstone,’ Morgan says. ‘Plants had to be low-maintenance and salt-tolerant so we decided on buxus for one side and red cordylines in the planter.’

Nigel suggests soil preparation is the key to a flourishing courtyard. ‘We prepared the beds to suit hardy plants such as dracaena and yuccas. The soil in this area is sandy, which is good for drainage although nutrients tend to seep away.

‘We added lots of organic matter such as cow manure and compost, and mixed in water-holding crystals.’