Country garden
With a wide, sloping lawn behind their country home, the clients found themselves with a blank canvas—open, green, and full of potential, but lacking in purpose and intimacy. Their vision was clear: they wanted defined spaces to sit, relax, and follow the arc of the sun throughout the day.
To bring structure to the sweeping lawn, the design introduced a series of soft, curved borders that flow naturally with the lay of the land. These sweeping lines gently break up the expanse, leading the eye across the garden while framing individual areas with a sense of enclosure and intent. At the heart of the design sits a circular patio, nestled into the contours of the slope, creating a sunny spot to pause and soak in the surroundings.
Planting was tailored to the clients’ love of roses, many of which they had already collected. These beloved blooms were given pride of place—used as anchor points throughout the borders and celebrated as focal features. Interplanted with complementary perennials and textural foliage, the roses provide not just seasonal colour, but a sense of romance and continuity.
Photographs show the garden’s journey—from its bare beginnings, through the first season of planting, to its transformation a year later into a richly layered, flourishing space. The result is a garden that feels rooted, refined, and unmistakably personal—a country garden made for lingering.
Town garden transformation
The client's new-build property was surrounded by an uninspired outdoor space—both front and rear gardens were little more than an empty lawn and tarmac, devoid of character. The design replaced the mundane turf with thoughtfully curated areas that invite relaxation, framed by planting that nurtures wildlife. A space for growing vegetables was also key, blending beauty with functionality.
The design sought to introduce a balance of structure and softness. Curved pathways meandered through lush borders, while strategically placed seating areas created intimate spaces to unwind. The planting palette was chosen not only for its visual appeal but to provide much-needed habitats for birds, bees, and butterflies. A carefully integrated vegetable garden added an element of practicality, offering the client the joy of harvesting homegrown produce amidst their sanctuary.
What was once a blank canvas is now a vibrant, functional town garden—where nature, relaxation, and the pleasures of gardening all seamlessly come together, creating a space that full of colour and interest year round.
Needing help with our borders, we asked Sam to design a planting scheme. She spent time listening to our likes and dislikes and produced a comprehensive & detailed plan taking into account our preferred colour scheme & the atmosphere we wished to create. Sam took us out of our comfort zone & introduced us to plants we would not have considered - this was just what we needed. She sourced & delivered the plants which all arrived looking healthy. Her instructions for planting and maintenance were clear & easy to follow. We are now looking forward to spring so we can enjoy the garden in its full glory
S. Vanden
