Garden Design

Texture in your garden - native Pennisetum

5 Things to Know About Creating Texture in Your Garden (or Why You Should Love Green)

Garden Design, Garden Inspiration, Plants / By

When we think of garden design, the first thing many people think of is vibrant colour. While colour is undeniably important, it’s texture that truly brings a garden to life, adding depth, interest, and a sense of natural harmony. Texture is the unsung hero, the quiet detail that elevates a space from pleasant to captivating. …

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Binomial - Anthemis ‘E.C.Buxton’

Decoding the Secret Language of Plants: A Look at Binomial Nomenclature

Flowers, Garden Design, Plants / By

As a garden designer, I’m passionate about creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. But beyond the aesthetics, there’s a whole world of fascinating detail hidden within the plants I use. Have you ever wondered about those long, often Latin-sounding names attached to each plant? These aren’t just fancy labels; they’re part of a universal system …

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Kate Charles Garden Design - Courtyard Garden

The Art of the Slow Bloom: Why Your Garden Design Can Take 6 Months

Behind the Scenes, Garden Design / By

Hello garden lovers! You’re here because you’re dreaming of a truly transformative outdoor space, and that’s exactly what I love to create. But you might also be wondering why the design process can sometimes take around six months. Well, it’s not because I’m sipping tea and admiring the Hemerocallis (though I do enjoy that occasionally!). …

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Kate Charles Garden Design - Courtyard Pizza Oven Entertaining Garden

5 ways in which having a garden designed will save you time and money

Garden Design, Garden Inspiration / By

Perhaps you have thought about having your garden designed, but weren’t convinced that it would be worth it. Not so! It will absolutely be the best investment you can make in your outside space. With some pictures of gorgeous gardens to inspire you! 1. You won’t waste money at the garden centre on plants that …

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Kate Charles Garden Design - Grown up Garden - Water Featue

6 ways to update your garden once the children have grown up

Garden Design, Garden Inspiration / By

If the new school year has started you thinking about a garden without children in it –even if you’re not quite there yet, read on for some tips and ideas about how to reclaim your precious outdoor space –just for you (and maybe the occasional grandchild –eventually). 1. Reduce the lawn size -mowing the lawn …

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Brown frog head peeking up from a pond which is covered in pondweed - Kate Charles Garden Design

Working with Water – How to incorporate water in your garden design

Garden Design, Landscaping / By

There are few sounds more peaceful than the sound of water, and when planning your garden, it is likely that you’ll want to consider ways of including water in your design. There are various benefits to adding water to your garden; some of which I’ll cover here. 1: The sensory appeal Water, whether running or …

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A wildflower meadow lawn with clover and yarrow

No Mow May – Give the mower a miss – your garden will thank you

Ecology, Garden Design / By

If you’re a gardener you’ve probably seen or heard of No Mow May. The organisation Plantlife promotes the scheme, which encourages gardeners or any lawn-custodians such as local councils, to put the mower in the shed for the whole month. This is to help the natural grasses and flowers flourish, and is also vitally important …

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