My Berberis darwinii has died. When we moved into our current house 11 years ago, there were a variety of shrubs already planted in the front garden. One of my favourites was the Berberis darwinii, with its small, dark, spiky leaves and its cheerful bright yellow flowers, followed by berries so quickly snapped up by […]
Welcome to another blog tackling the issue of how to develop a climate-resilient garden. Summer 2026 is extreme, but it’s likely that our future summers will be similar to this one, meaning that to survive and thrive, we have to adapt. I am starting with some alternatives to the usual boring hedge types like laurel
Native Hedge Planting for climate resilience and wildlife Read More »
After the recent heatwave, it would be difficult for even the staunchest climate-change denier to ignore the fact that our climate is most definitely being affected by global warming. The record June temperatures and the increasingly hot years are becoming steadily more frequent, as shown in this heat changing graph below of my local area
Designing Climate Resilient Gardens – safeguarding our havens for the future Read More »
As we swelter in the June heatwave, the lure of our gardens at the end of a long hot day is extremely tempting. But are you coming home to a welcoming, beautiful space – or a bedraggled collection of old pots with dead garden centre flowers in them, and last year’s mildewed cushions on a
From Day to Night – Modern Gardens for the Modern Professional Read More »
Spring has firmly arrived, and with it, the unmistakable energy of the growing season. In the Three Shires (Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire) this is the month when our gardens truly wake up, and for those who are beginning a home renovation or extension, it is also a critical window for garden design. If you are
Integrating your Garden Design with your Renovation Read More »
Here in the rolling hills and picturesque villages of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, nature is woven into the very fabric of our lives. But our private sanctuaries – our gardens – hold immense potential to do more than just delight the eye. They can become crucial habitats for our local wildlife, actively contributing to a
February is a revealing month for the Worcestershire garden. As the lush distractions of summer remain dormant, the structural bones of our outdoor spaces are laid bare. For many residents, particularly those in the county’s recent new-build developments or the more compact Victorian townhouses of Worcester and Droitwich, this is the time of year when
Beyond the Leylandii: Designing Garden Privacy in Worcestershire. Read More »
As the frost settles across the Malvern Hills and the Cotswold escarpment, it might seem counterintuitive to be thinking about alfresco dining and garden parties. However, as a designer, I find this quiet winter season to be the most creative and strategic time of the year. It is what I call the “Golden Window” –
Why New Year is the best time to plan your Garden Design Read More »
As the days get shorter and the mercury dips, it’s easy to pack away our gardening gloves and declare our outdoor space “closed for winter.” But don’t be so hasty – your garden doesn’t have to be a no-go zone just because it’s a bit chilly. With a few clever tweaks and a change of
Don’t be a hedgehog – enjoy your garden all year round! Read More »
As the days get shorter and the leaves turn a stunning mix of gold and crimson, most of us are ready to get cosy indoors. But here is a little secret: autumn is the absolute best time to start planning your dream garden. Do not wait until garden designers are booked up in the spring
Why Autumn is a great time to book a garden design Read More »
