SMALL URBAN GARDEN north oxford The attention to detail in this garden was second to none. We replaced the lawn with a muted palette of white, purple, pink and green planting, with an emphasis on texture. Additional colour and height is created by seasonal bulbs. The split level garden links the main house to a modern garden office. The lower [...]

The transformation from paper plan to reality often exceeds expectations. Occasionally it more than exceeds expectations. South Hayes is one of those…

This year, 2016, I was commissioned by Schellevis to design their trade stand for Chelsea Flower Show…

Gardens have historically been places of healing and equally a source of health, happiness and also FOOD! Since the recent surge on loo roll and produce in the supermarket, there has equally been a renewed focus on “grow your own” and self-sufficiency. Humans have an ingrained natural instinct to forage, gather, till and sow, and it doesn’t take a huge push to get us off our seats and going again…

Nothing can quite describe the journey of a garden design, from the initial contact call, meetings, producing plans, then building and finally planting design, the bit where clients really get excited. There is however a cloud overshadowing the whole event, with the arrival of hundreds to thousands of plants in plastic pots, and the resulting mound of non-recyclable waste.

It is extremely satisfying to design gardens for my clients, as well as myself. Garden design is a very creative process, so having patience while it takes shape is a necessary quality! And sometimes, a little bit of inspiration is required…