If you are planning a big tidy-up, it is easy to underestimate how quickly a simple garden clearance can turn into a compliance headache.

If you live or work around North Dulwich station, you already know how quickly a garden can slip from "nearly there" to "where did the weekend go?".

If you live near Lordship Lane, you already know the gardens here have their own personality. Some are compact terraces with a narrow strip of soil that dries out by midday.

In today's world of compact urban living and closely-knit neighborhoods, creating private sanctuaries is more vital than ever. While traditional fences and walls can offer seclusion, they're often stark and uninspiring.