From 1980, Collins spent more time at Innisfree Garden, refining a "partnership with nature", knowing the influences of light and the seasons. He made lasting changes towards sustainability that have continued, for example letting more sunlight reach the ground letting native seeds sprout. He had the manor house demolished in 1982, arguing that it formed a contradiction to the new style of the garden. The house had become too costly to maintain, but without it, some of the garden architecture was left without focus.