I t’s a widely held assumption that courtyard gardens have to be minimalist. As this beautifully designed space proves, you can create a visually restful space that is actually very detailed. Homeowner Dave Lewis’s garden used to be very simple. Too simple. There was a small square of paving in front of the free-standing fireplace, a plunge pool, a couple of overgrown hedges on the boundary fences and lots of shabby-looking lawn. It was uninviting and not very usable. Dave knew the courtyard needed an upgrade and he desperately wanted a space that allowed him to re-arrange his outdoor furniture so he could entertain more easily. He discovered Dee McQuillan of Ivy & Bloom online. “I really liked her style so I was happy to give her a free hand with the design. She really listened to what I wanted. Her whole concept blew me away.” Her solution was a garden with a generous paved illusion This courtyard garden packs a lot of detail into a restful space. it’s an 74