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Courtyard Garden Design Transformation

A large lawn flanked with borders can feel daunting to change. There is a very common misconception that large lawns make gardens feel larger but I feel that they miss the joy of interest, journeys and discovery in having a garden. Carving up your lawn with paths and planting can transform the feeling of your outside space. If you are not sure how to go about it we can collaborate, to give you a design that you can work with. Having 3D designs can help you visualise how the garden will look. I offer clients support to work with them through their garden change. If you would like to book a design for 2025 get in touch. #gardenlawns #gardens #gardenstyle #gardeninspiration #kentdowns #kentdownsaonb #gardenideas #gardendesign #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas #kent
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A large lawn flanked with borders can feel daunting to change. There is a very...

How much does it cost to create a garden? This is an ever changing answer! I've written an article on what factors influence the costs in the garden and give you some rough guidelines so that when you do come to get contractors in, to work on your garden, you know what to expect. #kent #garden #gardenideas #gardendesign #gardenproject
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How much does it cost to create a garden? This is an ever changing answer!...

Are you a little afraid of how much time a garden could take to maintain? All gardens require maintenance, if you have a garden design or not. How much maintenance you do can really depend on what you expect a garden to look like. The higher expectations the greater the time needed. I love naturalistic planting which is set against sleek hard landscaping. As long there is structure the "messiness" of plants looks beautiful. #gardendesigninspiration #gardendesign #naturalisticgarden #naturalisticplanting #naturalisticgardens #naturalisticplanting #naturalisticplantingdesign #gardendesignerkent #gardendesigner #gardeninspiration #gardenbeds
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Are you a little afraid of how much time a garden could take to maintain?...

The previous occupiers of this home clearly spent some time and money on the hard landscaping on this garden. A good demonstration of how a large patio and wall right next to your house do not a garden make. If you are investing in a garden, landscapers will build you whatever you like. It may or may not work. Don't take the gamble with your hard earned cash. A design means that you know what you are going to end up with and how it will work with your home. Its much easier to change a patio on the design board than in your garden. My lovely client is happy for my vision to bring planting nearer the house, removing the horizontal lines of the wall (which is right across the view), creating planting borders and framing the view. Watch this space to see what I come up with. Get in touch if you would like to secure a design spot in 2025. www.catrionastiles.co.uk #garden #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas #gardendesign #paving #canterburykent #canterbury
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The previous occupiers of this home clearly spent some time and money on the hard...

Still deadheading Cosmos in November. These have been brilliant at filling a gap. Once the frost has got them they will be heading to the compost. Easy annuals like these are great to fill gaps while you are waiting for other perennials and shrubs to fill up their space. You can even save the seed to grow more the following year. #cosmos #annuals #autumngarden
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Still deadheading Cosmos in November. These have been brilliant at filling a gap. Once the...

Happy Halloween 🎃
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Happy Halloween 🎃
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The second phase of planting is now in and mulched. The plants and trees that...

My latest review has just come in for a design for a new build home in Aylesford, Kent. This is an odd shaped garden which had been carved into spaces with walls. The new design is a much more organic in shape and heavier on the planting. By creating flow lines through the garden it feels bigger whilst creating seating areas that are immersed in cottage style planting. Looking forward to seeing it come to life. Thank you for the review! Get in touch if you would like a design slot for 2025. www.catrionastiles.co.uk #Aylesford #kent #newbuild #newbuildhome #newbuildhouse #garden #gardenideas #customerreview #customerfeedback #customersatisfaction
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My latest review has just come in for a design for a new build home...
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Sharing the colours from Leeds Castle in late October

A reminder of when the sun was shining earlier in the year. The clients of this garden love their garden and do an amazing job of looking after it. Having caught the planting bug, its a joy to see the plants that they have brought in to add to the design. Love our conversations of what new architectural plants we both want! #contemporarygardendesign #gardendesignuk #gardendesigner #gardendesignideas
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A reminder of when the sun was shining earlier in the year. The clients of...
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A tidy up visit to this newly planted up garden. Completed two weeks ago it’s...

What do you look for when selecting a garden designer? Its a very personal decision where you need to feel that you can trust the process to bring you a garden vision that exceeds your expectations. The designer needs to feel they have understood your brief and assessed the site to have the confidence to share with your their ideas (presenting concept designs is still a heart in the mouth moment for me). Finding that right fit is very important, for both parties. My style of design and business is quite methodical. I'm transparent as I can be on fees and timescales. What are you looking for in a garden designer? Let me know in the comments below. #gardendesign #gardendesigner #gardendesignuk
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What do you look for when selecting a garden designer? Its a very personal decision...

If you are experiencing the delightful Autumn weather, in the same way as we are, you are going to be looking at your paving wet more often. When choosing paving its a great idea to look at in natural light and see what it looks like wet. Tonally I have matched the paving to the indoor flooring to tie the two areas together. During a garden consultation I will discuss material choices with you and work with you to bring the hard surfaces together. Email me at <a href=catriona@catrionastiles.co.uk to book a consultation (hopefully not in the rain)! Paving shown is Sawn Raj Green Sandstone against an Oak LRV interior floor. #paving #pavinginrain #insideoutside #gardendesign #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas #kent" loading="lazy">
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If you are experiencing the delightful Autumn weather, in the same way as we are,...

Still enough flowers in the garden to pick some for a lovely friend #octobergarden #octoberflowers
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Still enough flowers in the garden to pick some for a lovely friend #octobergarden #octoberflowers

Front gardens should be interesting and and light you up as you walk in. This house has the empty borders, I have the fun task of filling them, to create an entrance and give colourful views from inside. #plantdesign #frontgarden #gardeninspiration
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Front gardens should be interesting and and light you up as you walk in. This...

Autumn colours are on their way in… absolutely love the brights!
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Autumn colours are on their way in… absolutely love the brights!

The joy of west facing evening sun and its shadows. #westfacinghouse #gardenshadows #eveningsun
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The joy of west facing evening sun and its shadows. #westfacinghouse #gardenshadows #eveningsun

Love that part of my job is finding plants. I had a great tour round the No Name Nursery to collect some Canna. These are going to fit perfectly in a planting scheme for a client. Steve has yet to give it a name. Thanks Steve for showing me round and adding to my plant want list! @thenonamenursery
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Love that part of my job is finding plants. I had a great tour round...

October does not mean putting the garden to bed… #octobergarden
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October does not mean putting the garden to bed… #octobergarden

At this time of year the garden in just in the cusp of about to show you its bones. Elements in the garden that exist over winter are so important to give you visual interest as well as providing habitat for wildlife. There are three types of winter structure to think about. 1. Are the evergreens, your shrubs and hedges that going to keep giving you green, they have been waiting in the wings, unassumingly in the background but now they will come to the fore. 2. Are elements of the garden with texture and colour, I love trees that have coloured bark and dogwood with its coloured stems. 3. Are your skeletal elements. Plants that are decaying with an architectural quality. Don't be too hasty to cut back! Lots of grasses and perennials look amazingly sculptural, especially when touched by sparkling frost. If you are thinking of uplifting you garden I would really recommend taking some photographs of it in the next couple of months so you can assess if these 3 elements are doing their part in your garden. #autumn #autumn #autumngarden #autumngardening #kent #faversham #canterbury #canterburykent #kentdowns #kentdownsaonb
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At this time of year the garden in just in the cusp of about to...

When should you book your designer and landscaper if you are looking to invest in your garden next year? In my latest post I'll go through the timescales of garden upgrades to give you an idea of when. Spoiler alert! Its not in spring when everyone else does. https://www.catrionastiles.co.uk/how-long-does-it-take-to-transform-a-garden/ #garden #gardeninspiration #gardeninspiration #gardendesignuk #gardendesigner #gardendesignideas
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When should you book your designer and landscaper if you are looking to invest in...

When I work with clients with lots of plants in pots its akin to discovering a sweetie stash. I love taking the plants out, maybe splitting them and adding them with new ones into planting bed. You can almost feel the plants breathing out a sigh of relief. Folk often think that keeping plants in pots is low maintenance but I often find the opposite. Even when its raining pots require watering on a more frequent basis as the roots cant tap into the moisture in the ground. The compost that feeds the plant will only continue to do so for a few months and then you need to drop dress again and feed. Of course there is the right place for a pot but for some plants this will always be a transient home. Do you have some plants looking for their forever home? #plants #plantsofinstagram #plantstagram #gardenlove #gardendesign #gardenideas #gardeninspiration
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When I work with clients with lots of plants in pots its akin to discovering...

Is your garden mainly lawn and planting and the boundary? If so it can be overwhelming to know how to make it more interesting, especially if the boundaries are an odd shape. Great garden design will create focus in the foreground and the background and give the eye somewhere to rest. If you are looking to invest in your outdoor space get in touch with me to secure a design space for 2025. www.catrionastiles.co.uk #kent #garden #gardenideas #gardendesign #gardeninspiration #gardenimprovements #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas #gardendesignersoninstagram
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Is your garden mainly lawn and planting and the boundary? If so it can be...
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This latest design in Broadstairs takes the bones of the current sloped garden and gives...

As we move into Autumn planting season is ramping up and if you haven't already nows the time to order bulbs. Who wouldn't want something like this Allium Christophii popping up in the garden next year? The amazing globe of flowers followed by structural seedheads are always welcome. #bulbs #bulbseason #bulbsinbloom #alliums
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As we move into Autumn planting season is ramping up and if you haven't already...

As we move into autumn and winter the ability to enjoy the garden from inside becomes more important. As I have my morning cuppa it’s lovely to be able to enjoy plants near the house, appreciate the view and observe the wildlife (lots of squirrels leaving me lots of presents at the moment). What’s the view from your house of the garden like?
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As we move into autumn and winter the ability to enjoy the garden from inside...

Looking for some plants that are flowering now in September here’s some of my faves. If you’d like to be enjoying these in your own garden this time next year get in touch to secure one of my last few design slots for 2024. #september #latesummergarden #latesummerflowers #kent
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Looking for some plants that are flowering now in September here’s some of my faves....
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Loving the transformation of what felt like a small town garden into a Mediterranean oasis....

You can invest a lot in your garden in time and money and get a garden that looks ok but is not amazing. There are a lot of factors at work in garden design. The ability to mix practical and creativity is a unique one! If you are looking to improve your garden and want to go further than a patch of grass with a few flower beds, I'd really recommend getting a design. The investment pays amazing dividends at the end when you have a gorgeous outdoor space that looks amazing.
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You can invest a lot in your garden in time and money and get a...

What's your superpower? We all have special skills that not everyone shares. Mine is the ability to see things in 3D. I think my engineering experience and creativity has been the foundation to my skills. If you struggle to visualise spaces, I can help by modelling in 3D, showing the shadows. For some clients sketches and pictures are better way to get a feel for a space. If you want some help space visualising please get in touch. www.catrionastiles.co.uk #gardendesignideas #gardendesign #gardendesignuk #gardenideas #garden #gardendesignsideas #gardendesigns
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What's your superpower? We all have special skills that not everyone shares. Mine is the...

A bit of a head scratcher design today. This renovated barn has a garden that is split by the car park and drive, the views from the house are of apple orchards and are spectacular. Unfortunately the current garden makes the clients feel very on show (there is no privacy) and the garden feels very small as its really just a way to get from the car park to the house. For this design we are going to incorporate the patios as they are. However I have proposed to the clients to move the garden path. If I had a blank canvas the terraced patio would be different, the main patio is next to the bi-folds so the view is hampered by the dining table. The level below is actually not wide enough to comfortably sit on. The white render draws attention to the wrong part of the garden. By defining the lawn shapes and repeating layered planting the garden, in both options, has a sense of privacy and a cohesive designed look. The clients would not have come up with either of these options and are now considering which one to go to. So if you are faced with a problem garden please get in touch. And if you are thinking of a renovation or an extension getting a garden design can make a huge affect to how your home connects to the garden. I'm currently booking consultations in November if you would like a design slot for 2024. #hernhill #hernhillkent #kent #countrygarden #countrygardens #gardendesign #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas
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A bit of a head scratcher design today. This renovated barn has a garden that...

Love getting pics from a client. These beds are very new and the plants are settling in nicely. The soil is extremely free draining (big change from normally dealing with clay) so they have been very good at watering! Looking forward to planting the rest in October
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Love getting pics from a client. These beds are very new and the plants are...

This design is for a new build house in Challock. There is an existing large patio to the rear which currently make the garden feel small and rectangular. By adding curves, that follow round the corner of the garden, your eye know the garden continues round the side. Planting next to the patio provides interest near to the house and a decked area to the rear creates a destination. Looking forward to seeing this one come to life. #gardendesign #gardendesigner #challock #newbuild #newbuildhome
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This design is for a new build house in Challock. There is an existing large...
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We are just back from our trip to the Netherlands. We had the best day...

Great to get some update photos of this garden in #sheldwich, created last year. @carol.young3282023 is doing a great job looking after it. Late summer interest coming from Agastache, Echinacea, Sedums and Calamagrotis. Looking great… #august #augustgarden #garden #gardeninspiration #gardendesign #kent
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Great to get some update photos of this garden in #sheldwich, created last year. @carol.young3282023...
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Two designs off the boards for this great new build in Dover? Would you choose...

Todays client presentation is for a planting design for a garden in Charing Heath. This is a large sloped border that the clients have asked for help with. There is an area behind the garage which is slightly lost. By creating a bark path and seating area it will bring this area back into the rest of the garden. The brief combines both the clients requirements. One likes formality and structure, hence a small hedge bounding the beds and borders creating all year round shape. The other a more naturalistic, wild look, so as you go towards the right the planting becomes more woodlike and loose. Watch to see this one come into life this autumn.
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Todays client presentation is for a planting design for a garden in Charing Heath. This...

Finally after over 3 years of using engineering blocks as make shift steps we have stones down for our patio… I’m so happy. Thanks to @admirelandscapes (Sam and Jack) for laying these sawn raj green sandstone pavers. Thanks to hubby for doing the sub base. Just the grouting, stepping stones and grass to sort now!
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Finally after over 3 years of using engineering blocks as make shift steps we have...

What makes a great garden? In all honesty beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To me a garden is what that sparks joy to the people who garden and live in it. This is true of big makeover gardens or smaller projects that you want to develop over time at your pace. The important element is to get the design fixed in your mind and then translated onto paper. I have seen gardens where people have brought in a landscaper and spent considerable money (we all work hard right) and could have had a much better result (for the same cost) with a garden design. Garden design could be seen as an artistic, whimsical indulgence but in the same way an architect is so key to a house build a garden design can really uplift a garden. My job, as a designer, is to translate your requirements into a brief, re-imagine your space and create a plan that is practical. If you would like to book a consultation in for October please send me a DM #gardendesign #gardeninspiration #garden #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas #gardendesignsideas #kent
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What makes a great garden? In all honesty beauty is in the eye of the...

Warm days mean beautiful sunsets
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Warm days mean beautiful sunsets

This sloped garden in Gravesend is really coming along. Many thanks to Rob for the work in progress shots. This garden was a bit of a head scratcher but thankfully it looks like its translating into real life well. This garden is a good size but the actual useable area was not that great and meant that the family were really not using the garden. Already by creating some flat areas the entertaining areas already increase the feel of the garden and will add value to the property. I'm looking forward to seeing it when Rob and his team have finished. They are doing a fantastic job. @rngroundworksandlandscaping #gardenlandscaping #gardenlandscaping #gardeninprogress #slopedgarden #garden #gardendesign #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas
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This sloped garden in Gravesend is really coming along. Many thanks to Rob for the...

Great to get some photos of this newly built garden in Chislehurst/ Bromley Kent. The first time I met the clients this was a building site (see the last pic for before) with little in the garden. The garden was overlooked and all the focus was on the boundaries. Curved paths, seating areas and layers of planting have created privacy, interest from all over the garden and great views from inside. To read more please take a look at the post on the website https://www.catrionastiles.co.uk/large-suburban-garden-chislehurst-kent/ I love the shapes in this garden and am enjoying watching it develop. The rest of the planting to follow in the autumn. A great job by all those involved mainly the landscaper @nelsonlandscapes_ porcelain: @arbourlandsol claypavers: @_londonstone plants: @palmstead Provender Nurseries and Howards #chislehurst #bromley #bromley #kent #gardendesign #gardendesigner #gardendesigns #gardendesignideas #gardendesignsideas #gardendesigninspiration #gardenideasuk
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Great to get some photos of this newly built garden in Chislehurst/ Bromley Kent. The...

Late summer means a change in the colour palette in most gardens. The soft pastels of spring and early summer make way for the bold and vibrant. Plant choice is so key for this time of year with oranges, yellows, pinks and purples to select from. This is crocosmia lucifer with its hot red/ orange flowers and tall arching leaves. Whats your favourite flowering plant right now? #August #augustgarden #tropicalflowers #tropicalflowers #hotcolours #hotcolours #gardencolour
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Late summer means a change in the colour palette in most gardens. The soft pastels...
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My front garden after a little tidy. This used to be grass with a few...

Do you have height in your garden? It can be scary to add in elements with height, especially trees. Creating verticals is a really important of my garden design. Trees are brilliant for creating focal points, breaking up spaces and creating levels of planting. There are so many amazing trees (I'm discovering more all the time). There is also a cross over between shrubs that are trained as trees. The right tree in the right place and create structure, provide seasonal interest and a wildlife habitat. They also provide shade and reduce temperatures of their surroundings. You can have stunning bark, changing colour leaves, berries, blossom all this from one tree! Pictured is a Catalpa Bignonioides (Indian Bean Tree) which has large. lush, tropical feel leaves. #gardentrees #gardentrees #treesinthegarden #gardendesign #gardendesigns #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas #kent #kentdowns
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Do you have height in your garden? It can be scary to add in elements...

When you are moving into a new home you are normally faced with a blank canvas of lawn and maybe some patio. It can be overwhelming to know where to start. The beauty of getting a garden design is that we work together to create a set of shapes and planting beds that reflect your style, your needs and the setting of your garden. In this garden in Hernhill layers of planting were create the illusion of the orchard behind being part of the extended garden. A secondary seating area in the corner was positioned to catch the views of the sunset and draw you into the garden. If you would like to book a consultation and see if we can work together email me at <a href=catriona@catrionastiles.co.uk and we can book an appointment (currently from October onwards). #newbuild #newbuildhome #newbuildhouse #newbuildinspo #kent #garden #gardendesigns #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas" loading="lazy">
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When you are moving into a new home you are normally faced with a blank...

Getting plants that flower through the seasons is not just important for our enjoyment of the garden it’s hugely important for pollinators. Now the sun has finally come out they are enjoying the Echinops. It’s definitely not as busy with flying insects in the garden this year so I’m relieved to see these. If you are interested in getting more pollinators in your garden get in touch. I’m booking from October onwards. Perfect for next years garden! #julygarden #julyflowers #pollinatorgarden #gardendesign #kentdownsaonb
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Getting plants that flower through the seasons is not just important for our enjoyment of...

New build homes can have awkward shapes that don't present an obvious solution for a garden design. Its really worth investing in your garden in this situation to create a garden with the wow factor. The right shapes in patio, planting borders and lawns can make a huge difference to the appearance of the garden. Who wouldn't want to wander round the corner in this new garden? If you are thinking of investing in your garden next year get in touch to be on the waiting list for design in the Autumn. You can be ready for landscaping over the winter/spring. 🌿🌸🌱 #gardendesign #gardendesignideas #newbuildhome #newbuildhouse #newbuildgarden
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New build homes can have awkward shapes that don't present an obvious solution for a...

Super excited for a new visitor to the garden. The pond isn’t even finished yet. Nature is amazing!
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Super excited for a new visitor to the garden. The pond isn’t even finished yet....
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Planting time at this glorious garden in Chislehurst/ Bromley. The hard landscaping is near completion...

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