The rear garden of this beautiful barn conversion was a little unloved with some overgrown trees and shrubs and an unstable concrete patio. The clients wanted a contemporary space for family living with a Mediterranean feel. A generous dining area and covered modular kitchen near to the house makes entertaining friends and family a pleasure. Generous planting beds surround, providing a sense of privacy and beautiful views through the large rear windows. A large lounge area is located away from the main patio, enabling alternative views of the garden. Here shade is provided with a bespoke steel and wire pergola, which will eventually be covered in evergreen scented Star Jasmine, and complemented by a stylish fire bowl. A further intimate bistro seating space catches the morning sun. Limestone-effect porcelain paving provides a stunning and practical surface outside the house and is elevated with natural Limestone pavers for the paths and a ‘rug’ detail in the dining area. A central bed with tall Miscanthus, Verbena and Echinacea creates further screening and a sense of surprise in this rectangular garden. Elsewhere the combination of ornamental grasses with drought-tolerant plants, such as Lavender, Geranium and Nepeta will ensure good coverage throughout the year, scent, and food for pollinators.

A transformation from an overgrown unusually shaped garden to a contemporary space in which to relax and entertain. Features include Corten steel walls, edging, planters and water feature, as well as sleek porcelain paving, retained gravel pathways, and granite setts.

The planting is in a restrained palette of purples, green and white. It features ferns, grasses, Agapanthus, Salvias and Geraniums, as well as other herbaceous perennials and spring bulbs for seasonal interest. A multi-stemmed Birch, and Amelanchier create height and structure, and blur the boundaries in this small space.

Umbrella-trained Lime trees provide a shady seating area in the summer, while Corten steel walls create impressive screening to the utility area beyond.

This front garden was large but dated, with a tall hedge darkening the entrance, concrete paving, and disparate planting. The clients wanted a contemporary makeover to create a welcoming entrance to their property, whilst giving practical consideration to access for a cherry picker when the cladding needed to be renovated.

A strong porcelain paving was chosen in a complementary tone to the brickwork, with striking detailing in a contrasting black basalt sett. This combination of modern and traditional materials ensures that the new design fits into its surroundings.

A mix of ferns, grasses and foliage plants look cool in the shady area near the house, and particular attention was given to bronze tones to accentuate the paving. Topiarised evergreen balls are combined with a palette of purple perennials and ornamental grasses to create a stunning scheme to soften the hard landscaping.

This traditional property has been enhanced by a stunning glass extension to the rear. Once the hard landscaping was completed the clients commissioned me to provide a planting design for a large, sweeping border, as well as some smaller areas near the house.

I also sourced some contemporary outdoor furniture to complement the new kitchen-diner, including a stunning concrete table, bioethanol burner, designer chairs, and lounge sofa set. Bespoke planters were made to pick up on the concrete, and chair colour. This was further enhanced with shades of yellow in the planting scheme.

Screening was supplied on one boundary with pleached Hornbeam trees, above a bed of shade-loving shrubs and perennials to produce points of interest all year round.

A range of containers by the seating area allows the opportunity for seasonal displays, and herb growing, making it the perfect spot for an evening cocktail.

The overall result has softened the patio considerably, while allowing impressive views from the house.

I was commissioned to create a planting scheme for this new-build front property. The clients wanted their front garden to have some impact, as they are on a popular thoroughfare, but key for them was creating a space with a slightly wild, natural feel, and a garden that would be filled with wildlife. While any form of gardening is manipulating nature, by using plants with umbellifer shapes, such as Achillea, and daisy shapes, such as Echinacea and Leucanthemum, along with ornamental grasses, we can echo what occurs in nature, while encouraging pollinators to visit. The five types of ornamental grasses will provide structure and interest throughout the winter, while a range of spring bulbs including Muscari, Tulips and Alliums provides early colour and food for visiting insects. The growth in one year has been astonishing. My clients are delighted with their garden and how the plants have knitted together to create a loose feel. They have had so many positive comments from neighbours and passers-by. This is why I am so passionate about front gardens. They bring joy to so many and change the feeling of our streets and developments. The constant buzzing from bees and other pollinators is proof that if you plant it, they will come.