Garden Design Approach

Every garden is different. This page outlines how I approach garden design, what shapes my decisions, and the kind of work I’m asked to do, grounded in real gardens, real sites, and years of experience.

This sits alongside the wider work I do across garden design, consultancy, and public engagement.

Ways I Work

People come to me at different points, some need informed advice before they commit to anything, others want a planting plan to work from, and some gardens require a fuller design approach where layout, structure, or levels need careful thought.

The right starting point depends on the garden, the site, and what you’re trying to achieve.

My first role is to look at the situation and advise on the most appropriate way forward, whether that begins with a consultation, a planting-led plan, or a more detailed design process.

What I Look At

Every design begins with the realities of the site, scale, soil, exposure, and how the garden connects to the house and landscape. I consider structure, long-term planting framework, and maintenance expectations so the garden settles in well over time rather than relying on short-term impact