Emily Shaw
Some of my happiest and earliest memories are from being in the garden. I was lucky enough to have keen gardeners for parents and that is when my passion for gardens and green spaces started. I firmly believe in the power of gardens to reconnect people to nature and place. My mission is to create spaces that bring a sense of joy and nourishment for all those who are in them.
My approach is client-centric, taking the time to understand needs and desires in order to create an inspirational space that will be loved. I am committed to using local materials wherever possible and drawing on my extensive horticultural knowledge to promote ecological diversity and enhance the natural landscape.
Biography:
With over a decade of working with some of the world’s largest corporates, I bring a wealth of professionalism to projects and horticultural experience having worked on everything from high end roof top gardens in New York to sprawling Surrey estates. But above all, it’s my passion for creating captivating outdoor spaces that drives me forward creatively.
Instagram – @emilyshawdesigns
This design was for a family who lived in an Old Rectory that had a large garden with a beautiful old limestone wall dividing the garden in two. The couple wanted to be able to enjoy the different areas of the garden more so I created distinct “rooms”: On one side of the wall was the formal garden with its clean lines and elegant planting. On the other side was the informal gravel garden with its soft and romantic planting.
The brief called for more seating for entertaining and relaxing: A generous dining area in the gravel garden allows for afternoon sun, a seating area in the formal side allows for evening G&Ts whilst benches around the garden allow for relaxation and contemplation.
This design was about maximising what was already there and creating a journey for the clients that unfolds as they move through the garden, allowing them to experience different atmospheres in the different spaces.
This design was for a couple who lived near woodlands and wanted to feel a greater connection to them through the garden. The focus was on creating a seamless connection between the garden and the woodlands and to enhance the overall experience of the space. The couple wanted low maintenance so there was a focus on small specimen trees, evergreens and easy perennials. Entertaining is important to them so a large dining space and seating area was included where they can enjoy the best view. A limited colour palate of materials and planting conveys a sense of cohesion and calm.
This was a commercial design for a wedding venue. The brief called for sufficient hard paving for up to 120 guests, quiet areas for retreat and social interaction, locations for group photographs and planting for year round interest.
The design elevates the social experience with a distinct reception area and several secluded seating areas. The focal point and the perfect spot for photos is a large pool of water that cuts through the yew hedge offering views of the beautiful Kew Gardens beyond. A limited and elegant planting colour palette of white and purple was used with evergreen shrubs and trees for all year round interest.
