Following a successful garden design career in London and after a break to spend time with my young children, I am delighted to be bringing my garden design practice to Sevenoaks.
This post is by way of a small introduction to me as a garden designer. After completing a degree I began a diploma in garden design in 2003 while at the same time getting valuable hands on experience working for en established London garden design firm. During this time I learned the ins and outs of garden layout and planting design along with plant identification tests each week, and found a way to combine my love of art and design with my love of flowers and the garden.
From my first garden project onwards I have always been lucky enough to receive the majority of my clients through word of mouth.
I grew up in a pretty mill house in Kent which proved to be inspirational - the garden there was very organic and in no way 'designed', but the garden grew and developed bit by bit over the years without an overall plan until the borders were full of a mix of pretty cottage garden flowers next to trickling streams and a peaceful millpond. From that place and from my parents who were avid gardeners, I learnt the value of gardens - the impact they can have on us, the life-enhancing enjoyment they can bring, how we all live in and enjoy the garden in different ways, and how our own roots can grow in a garden we really love.
The style of gardens I design is dependent on the client and their brief, but tends to be along the lines of a contemporary garden layout mixed with softer planting, whether this be floral, evergreen, soft grasses or a low maintenance garden design. Each garden is so different and has to complement the house, fit within its environment, and of course suit the needs and budget of the people who will use it. Planting, materials and layout all play their part, and work to create cohesion.
Whether you are looking for a contemporary garden design, a wild garden, design for a small garden, a large garden design project or a front garden design - I can help. You might be looking for a planting design for an existing garden or some in-fill planting to increase interest through the seasons - I would love to work with you on these.
The garden design process is very much collaborative and I work in tandem with you. For garden design projects I always start by giving you a pile of garden design books to flick through and tag up - this little bit of homework is a lovely process. It helps you to think visually about what you do and don't want in your garden design, and it helps me understand your brief. It's an opportunity for us all to sit down together with picture references and talk the whole thing through. I can then go away and come up with ideas for what is required.
I really enjoy collaborating with clients on designing their gardens. Once I have completed a concept design, there is more discussion to make sure I'm on the right track and make any changes before drawing up the final plans.
I am lucky to have met many delightful clients throughout my garden design career, and have transformed many unloved and unused spaces into much-loved gardens. It's always a thrill to see the finished garden.
If you are interested in carrying out a garden design in Sevenoaks however big or small, please don't hesitate to get in touch and see how we can work together to create a garden you'll love.
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