Planning a garden

Designing a garden is an exciting journey that can transform any outdoor space into a lush, inviting sanctuary. However, creating a functional and beautiful garden can be challenging, particularly if you’re new to gardening or have specific goals in mind. This is where garden design templates, planting plans and layouts of existing garden designs can […]

Evergreen shrubs are the corner point of every successful garden design. They hold structure throughout the year and add weight to gardens, which means that even in the dead of winter, there is some form and interest to look at. I’m not suggesting that we pack our gardens with just evergreen shrubs. Low-maintenance evergreen shrubs […]

Ever wondered how Garden Rescue is filmed and how long it takes? If so, then this guide is for you. As a presenter on Garden Rescue for nearly five years, I will explain how the show works, how the contributors are chosen, how long the build takes, how we design the sets, plant selection, and […]

Designing a small garden can feel challenging, especially if you have never been a gardener or studied design principles before. You can be put off by a lack of plant knowledge, confusion over where to start, what features you need or the cost of implementing your own design. Take reassurance that I’m going to guide […]

As the summer fades and the days get shorter, your garden doesn’t have to lose its vibrancy or beauty. Using plant species that flower in late summer and autumn, you can extend the gardening season using what we designers call ‘succession planting’. Autumn is a fantastic time to enjoy the beauty of flowering plants. For […]

This guide will show you how to make an easy compost bin from wooden pallets. This is by far the easiest method I have used over the years. Even with a small garden, if you have enough space for a wooden palette, it’s worthwhile to create a compost bin. You not only save on those […]

Understanding colour schemes from the colour wheel can greatly enhance your ability to create visually appealing designs and artwork. Colour can evoke both positive and negative feelings and emotions in the garden. If you’ve ever looked at a garden and found the colours jarring or awkward, the chances are the colour wheel has been ignored. […]

Improving your garden soil organically is essential for creating a thriving, sustainable garden, especially if you want to plant a variety of gorgeous plants, fruits, or vegetables. Without decent soil, no amount of planning, garden design or care will matter. Your gardens will struggle to succeed. The sad fact is that with new-build gardens in […]

Designing a garden for a rented property can be frustrating and confusing, especially since you don’t own the property or flat. For many renters and rental properties, the garden is ignored. Maybe a few lack-lustre container plants, pots, and many temporary bits and bobs. However, designing for a rental property can be far more enriching […]

Working out which direction a garden faces is one of the first things I do when I’m working on new garden designs. The garden aspect is a crucial part of garden planning. If you ignore the position of the sun in the garden you will struggle to find the correct plants. It also means you […]