Although I always try to reuse materials on site whenever practical, over the years I've been building gardens I have sent vast amounts of unwanted and surplus materials to landfill, or at best to be crushed for hardcore. So having finally committed to really sorting out the river bank at the front of my own home I decided that it should be done entirely from materials that would otherwise be discarded.

Having waited several years I'm in no hurry to complete this project so it doesn't matter that I will only be able to progress it as suitable materials become available and when I have time between jobs.

Objectives.

• As there is a well used tow path which passes across the front of the house, which is a main pedestrian and cycle way into town, this garden will be on view to the public. I want it to be a positive enhancement to the local environment and to give pleasure to passers by.
• It should also be wild life friendly to some extent as the river is a valuable wildlife corridor through the town and an absolute haven for a variety of birds who wake us with a wonderful chorus throughout the summer months.
• As we gave up our veg plot to create a play area for our young family, I want to incorporate some space for growing produce. The steep bank with a southerly aspect will be ideal for herbs and some produce that requires warmth to ripen such as tomatoes and chilies which, when home grown are are incomparably better than shop bought produce.
• A flat area next to water is essential for relaxing and feeding the ducks and swans or just watching the water and unwinding.
• Finally the whole whole must be given a framework of low clipped edging plants to prevent the soil migrating down and to stabilize the soil with bands of permanent root system as well as maintaining a smart and structured appearance all year round.