Paradise found

This garden flawlessly fuses tropical and modern influences

Relaxing by the pool, a refreshing drink in your hand and good friends by your side - this is what summer is all about. When Troy Stolzenhein of Prestige Landscape & Construction was approached by the homeowners, they had a lacklustre, underused rear garden, a dated pool and nowhere to entertain. Today, they have an inviting outdoor retreat with a tropical flourish.

"They wanted the pool and surrounding areas to have a 'modern paradise' feel and an effortless flow. There was to be an undercover outdoor dining area that ebbed from the house to the pool and an outdoor play area. The spaces - and plants - had to be low maintenance," explains Troy.

"A priority was the 25-year-plus concrete pool that needed more than a bit of love. This was completely gutted from bottom to top so we could give it a fresh, modern look and a new lease of life."