Design Tips

When I tell people that I am a Garden Designer the general response is “how wonderful to be able to work outside, especially during the Summer when the sun is shining”.  The reality is that most of my time is spent in front of my drawing board or laptop and it is only when I come to the planting phase of my projects that I have the luxury of getting my hands dirty! Read more

I am very excited to tell you that I have recently undertaken a course in Colour Psychology with Bernay Laity, Creative Director of In:Colour.  I can honestly say that, as well as changing the way I approach my design work, my new found knowledge of colour and peoples responses to it has completely changed my life. Read more

I have recently returned from a brilliant holiday in Crete where we stayed in the most amazing villa set amongst olive trees with fabulous views down the valley to the sea.  Read more

Very excitingly, we are finally going out to tender for the construction phase of my leatherhead project (back garden design shown above).  Last week I attended meetings at site with 3 of my preferred landscapers and I thought it would be good to share with you my reasons for choosing them. Read more

Conversely, it is also during these seasons that we remember that there are parts of the garden that really don’t work.  We remember the gaps in the planting and the difficult areas where nothing will grow.  We remember that there’s a rose that is out at the same time as a shrub and they just look hideous next to each other.  We also remember that the terrace is just a bit too small to be able to eat out comfortably and that there’s nowhere to sit in the shade when we do get those mini heat waves.  Read more

Autumn is my favourite time of the year, predominantly because of the warm colours and the rich tones that are all around us.  I automatically think of trees at this time of year because they really come into their own and dominate the landscape.  On a sunny day, you can’t beat the light effect when the sun shines through leaves that have turned a gorgeous Autumn colour.  Read more

The average surburban garden is normally separated from its neighbours by the humble timber panel fence and, let’s be honest, it doesn’t really enhance the overall look of the garden does it!?  Of course there are many products on the market that allow you to paint, colour and preserve but from a design point of view, the colour you choose is really important if you are to achieve the right look for your garden. What you choose is up to you, but I thought I would give you a few general tips to help you along the way. Read more

I rarely see my garden in the same light as others, which I think must be an occupational hazard for anyone in a similar profession to me.  Designing for other people is so much easier because you’re not emotionally attached to the space.  When it comes to my garden, I’m always wondering if we’d done something different would it be better! Read more