Daniel Darling
Hi I’m Dan,
I design gardens which entice people outdoors, enabling their owners to engage with and enjoy them year round. The gardens are an extension of their homes and offer a sense of belonging and are both complementary to, and considerate of the environment around them.
Every garden is unique, each having its own history and character, and these factors are balanced with the equally unique requirements of the client when producing any design.
I strongly believe that gardens should be welcoming spaces which are reflective of their surroundings and their owners tastes and requirements, whilst also being sustainable and providing a positive contribution to the environment.
I am happy to offer either a full or partial garden design service, as well as a design consultancy service.
Large or small, urban or rural, if you would like me to work with you and your garden, please get in touch.
Biography:
Having grown up in Northumberland, I went to Uni in Leeds and then moved to Surrey in 2003 to pursue a career in engineering.
Over 15 years experience in managing a wide variety of engineering projects, combined with a love of outdoor spaces and what they can offer us, led me to re-evaluate my career direction in 2022.
Passionate about the combination of form and function, with a keen eye for detail, I relish the opportunity to see a project from concept stage through to completion.
As an engineer, a significant portion of my time was spent meeting with clients, listening to and understanding their requirements, then delivering designed and tested solutions. I wanted to use these skills in a more creative, outdoor environment, so chose to retrain in garden design.
I recently graduated from the LCGD, Garden Design Diploma with distinction.
The grounds of Birtley House have been transformed into accessible gardens and parkland for all of its residents to enjoy, linking the house to the landscape. Creating a safe and beautiful environment to have a positive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing of the residents was key to this design.
A variety of routes around the grounds enable residents and their guests to explore and engage with the natural environment. New outdoor spaces have been created to complement existing, established features, offering a balanced contrast between old and new.
Inspiration for the design came from the accessibility and natural beauty of the Surrey Hills AONB, in which Birtley House stands. Characteristics of the AONB, including bodies of water, native woodland and the use of sustainable materials have been echoed in the design, enabling the site to sit comfortably within its surroundings.
A large family garden of a grade II listed property with an abundance of character, designed to fulfil many purposes.
A gravel garden with a large dining terrace and outdoor kitchen for entertaining guests, a family garden with multiple seating areas and a generous lawn for playing games, and a woodland with secluded terrace and glade to explore and escape to.
Formality within the garden diminishes the further you venture through it, echoing the history of the house. Each area has its own character and can be navigated via multiple routes, with circulation throughout the garden creating a common, cohesive family space. A combination of clipped hedging and softer planting offer privacy and structure.
A private but welcoming garden, equally suited to hosting dining parties and Bocce tournaments as it is a comfortable place for a quiet drink and relaxation.
Clean lines and a contemporary style informed the garden design of this mid-century property. A restricted colour pallet for both hard and soft landscaping, complement the minimalist simplicity of the house and link the two seamlessly.
Arranged over multiple levels across a sloping site, this garden capitalises on views to distant woodland whilst offering seclusion and privacy.
The meandering form of the nearby river Thames influenced the design of this conference and wedding venue garden. Accessed either from the Dukes garden or Kew Green, visitors can explore the winding route through garden, experiencing water, lush planting and views to the larger gardens and alpine house beyond.
Designed to be enjoyed at close quarters and accessible to all, there are multiple communal and more intimate spaces, as well as a larger, secluded area for hosting wedding ceremonies and event receptions.
