Blog | Garden Design

May, 2020

Distance garden design

Lockdown has probably made those of us with a garden, however big or small, value it like never before. Perhaps...

May, 2020

Spring-spiration

There is no question that we are living in uncertain and worrying times. With many of us self-isolating, shielding...

December, 2019

Seasonal circle of life

It's that most wonderful time of the year and while you could be forgiven for thinking Christmas has become all...

November, 2019

Designing with Bulbs

One of the easiest ways to add a splash of colour to your garden borders from winter through to early summer is to...

October, 2019

Plug-and-play water features

With so many different types of plug-and-play water features available to buy in the average garden centre, as...

September, 2019

Autumn vibes

It's now officially autumn and seemingly overnight we're facing the onset of darker mornings and the prospect of...

May, 2019

Firing up the garden

With many of us wanting to extend the time we spend in our outdoor space, ways to make them more inviting and...

April, 2019

Outdoor kitchens

With last summer's amazing weather, many of us took to cooking and eating al fresco on a more regular basis. While...

March, 2019

Decking

Having a garden is a responsibility that needs both time and effort dedicated to it to keep it looking its best....

February, 2019

Bewitching witch hazels

Finally, the days are starting to get a little longer (although the dark mornings can still be a bit of a drag!)....

January, 2019

Garden design trends for 2019

Many of us will have already made resolutions for the year ahead - and some of us may just be keeping to them!...

October, 2018

Late summer perennial daisies

Summer is now behind us and what a summer it was...the hottest in recent memory. And while autumn feels like it's...

September, 2018

Garden buildings

Hand in hand with the trend of treating the garden as an outdoor room is the growth in garden buildings. Until...

July, 2018

Art in the garden

We recently visited the Henry Moore Studios & Gardens in Perry Green, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire. As well as...

June, 2018

Beauty in the border

If you planned your borders last year, you'll be enjoying the fruits of your labour with succession planting for a...

May, 2018

Gourmet gardening

Last month we looked at ideas for creating stylish vegetable beds so it seems only natural that this month we...

April, 2018

Stylish vegetable beds

Growing your own food proves ever more popular not just because you can be sure of its provenance but because it's...

March, 2018

Water in the garden

Water can be a very effective element in the garden, providing the combined qualities of movement, sound and...

February, 2018

Customer service award win

We are delighted to have been awarded a Best of Houzz Award for Customer Service for the second year running. It...

January, 2018

Totally tropical garden style

If you're one of the lucky few who overwinters in warmer climes stop reading now! For the rest of us, this post is...

December, 2017

Lighting in the garden

The desire to make more of our gardens means it's increasingly seen as an extension of our home. Perhaps one of...

November, 2017

Front garden kerb appeal

Front gardens are the first impression for visitors and passers-by alike yet so often they are the second class...

October, 2017

Gardening on the slope

Working in and around the Chilterns means that many of the gardens we design and build are on sloping ground. The...

September, 2017

Inspiring gardens

If you are stuck for ideas and in need of inspiration, be nosy and go take a look at other people’s gardens. A...

May, 2017

In praise of the native bluebell

If you went down to the woods at the weekend you may have been lucky enough to be treated to a glorious sight at...

February, 2017

Best Of Houzz 2017 Service Award

January saw us over the moon to receive a service award from Houzz, the leading online platform for home...

September, 2015

Small garden, big impact

When it comes to gardens, few of us can boast rolling acres but that that’s all the more reason to make the most...

April, 2015

Foliage plants for a high impact, low maintenance garden

Recently, we’ve been asked to create planting schemes for clients that feature a high proportion of bold,...

February, 2015

Garden design tips for home improvers - part 2

Although sometimes an afterthought in the grand scheme of home improvements, with a little forward planning and...

January, 2015

Garden design tips for home improvers - part 1

So, you’ve successfully completed a major renovation or extension to your home. Finally, you sit back, take in the...

November, 2014

Seeds of change

Don't be too hasty cutting back spent flowerheads, seedheads and grasses in the garden. Yes, it's great when the...

April, 2014

Free garden design advice

This weekend sees the start of one of the best shows for home and garden inspiration, Grand Designs Live London,...

February, 2014

Creating a stylish outdoor room

According to recent research by Origin Easifold Doors, people feel uplifted when they see a beautiful view. The...

February, 2014

Low maintenance gardens

The desire for a low-maintenance garden is often top of our clients' wish-lists when discussing the design brief...

January, 2014

Community gardening

One of the gardening trends predicted to continue growing in popularity this year is that of community gardening....

December, 2013

New Year Gardening Resolutions

With the last few hours of 2013 ticking away my thoughts are already turning to the new year and all the potential...

December, 2013

Berried treasure

The holly wears the crown, or so the carol goes. And nothing says berries at Christmas quite like the holly....

July, 2013

What to plant for bees

Seems not a day goes by without a new piece of evidence, or counter-evidence, on the effect of neonicotinoids on...

July, 2013

Hampton Court highlights

Finally made the annual pilgrimage to what is easily one of our favourite events of the year, the RHS Hampton...

June, 2013

Planting for Exotic Effect

When it comes to planting themes, there are a variety of styles to choose from: traditional English cottage,...

May, 2013

Show garden wins Grand Designs Garden Designer of the Year Award

My show garden at the recent Grand Designs Live event in London demonstrates just what can be achieved in a small...

April, 2013

Show garden at Grand Designs Live London

Preparations for building my first show garden at Grand Designs Live London are now underway. Entitled Glow - a...

March, 2013

Sculpture in the garden

We are big fans of outdoor art and while few of us could run to a Henry Moore in our backyard, we firmly believe...

February, 2013

Late winter and early spring bulbs for your garden

It's that 'inbetweeny' time of year. The days are getting longer so we know winter will soon be over. But it's not...

January, 2013

Ornamental bark in the garden

With the plethora of plants that provide interest through their flowers, fruit and leaves, you could be forgiven...

December, 2012

Plants for winter interest and fragrance

When it comes to winter, most of us want to just keep warm indoors. But you'd be missing out on a host of plants...

April, 2012

Drought-beating gardening tips

Our increasingly dry and mild winters mean our water reserves are at an all-time low, especially in the south...

October, 2011

Trees and shrubs for autumn colour

Enjoy all that the autumn season has to offer, especially when it comes to colourful autumn leaves. If you’re a...

August, 2011

Best late-flowering perennials

The best of the summer may be over but that doesn't mean your garden need be drab and dreary. There are plenty of...

April, 2011

Top five spring-flowering perennials

Many of our favourite plants are perennials. Unlike annuals, that often need to be replaced once or twice each...

March, 2011

Pergolas and arches

A pergola or arch is an easy way to add a new dimension to your garden. They can fit easily into almost any size...

November, 2010

Top plant picks for winter fragrance

We mostly tend to think of the summer months when it comes to fragrance in the garden with all-stars such as roses...

October, 2010

Design tips for the long, narrow garden

The challenge with a garden that is both long and narrow is almost always how to add interest and intrigue and...

Original Designs

Inspirational Ideas

Creative Transformations

Original Designs

Inspirational Ideas

Creative Transformations

Original Designs

Inspirational Ideas

Creative Transformations

Original Designs

Inspirational Ideas

Creative Transformations

Patios for outdoor living