August can be a messy month in the garden with lots going over but it can also yield surprises with lovely grasses standing tall and blowing gently in the wind against soft hues of echinecea and asters.

On a recent trip to New York, I walked the length of The High Line which is just wonderful. An elevated park has been created above the busy streets on a disused 1930s railway. The eco wild landscape includes lovely prairie style planting, lawns to relax on as well as moulded benches, loungers, bistro tables to bring a picnic or light supper and little cafes.

The whole landscape design was inspired by the self-seeded look that naturally occured when the trains stopped running.There are more than 200 species of perrennials, grasses, trees and shrubs,with bird boxes,water and crickets making lovely noises in the naturalistic beds.

Coming from such a large metropolis back to the UK has made me wish for our cities to embrace some of this wonderful space which can only be considered good for the soul and above all is free to all and brings such pleasure to many.

Back to this month and I have been busy completing two large private gardens with fruit trees, drystone walling and pergolas lined with lavender.I have also been sourcing products to be used in the gardens and layed a lovely clay paver patio with path.

 And in this month's Homes and Gardens , September issue, I give tips on ponds on page 166.