I have never been a fan of mirrors in the garden. But look at these in a small, private garden I visited in Auckland yesterday. It is owned by a retired couple and is not open to the public.

Spot the mirrors. I failed entirely to work out that they were mirrors until the owner made a comment that they often trick people and I then saw our reflections. Until that point, I had assumed the garden continued on and there was a further “garden room”, or maybe two, beyond. It is very cleverly done especially with the door opening in to the mirror – creating an effect akin to a trompe l’oiel. These installations were beautifully executed in their subtlety.

I am still not convinced that mirrors are a good idea in the hands of those less skilled but I may have to review my earlier blanket dismissal of them. I just have not seen them used well before and I think this is probably an exceptional example.