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" - that precious period where we have the luxury of time to dream, draw, and refine your vision before the inevitable surge of activity in the spring.
If you are envisioning a transformed landscape for the summer of 2026, I believe the journey is best started while the land is dormant. Designing a garden of distinction across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire is an intricate process of curation. By beginning our conversations now, I can view your garden without the distraction of summer foliage. This transparency allows me to perfect the structural heart of the garden - ensuring the foundation is as flawless as the eventual bloom.
My approach always begins with the ground beneath our feet. Whether we are working with the heavy, nutrient-rich clays of the Severn Vale or the free-draining, alkaline brash of the Cotswold heights, I know that understanding the nuances of your specific soil is vital. It dictates not just the palette of plants that will thrive in my designs, but the very engineering of the terraces and pathways we create together.
The local climate in the Three Counties, with its unique microclimates tucked into the lee of the hills, requires a thoughtful approach. By starting early, I can find specimen trees and structural shrubs that are acclimatised to our specific weather patterns and soil types. There is also a significant horticultural advantage to this: selecting and planting while the air is cool allows root systems to settle and strengthen. By the time you host your first summer gathering, I want your garden to feel as though it has matured alongside the house - looking lush, settled, and established from the very first day of the season.
This early start also allows me to weave biodiversity into the very fabric of my designs. I believe a truly stunning garden should be a sanctuary for wildlife as much as for people; by planning now, I can incorporate nectar-rich borders, ponds and nesting sites that will be humming with life by midsummer.
If you have explored my portfolio, you will see my commitment to creating gardens that feel timeless yet deeply personal to the client. My work is defined by an obsession with detail - from the sun studies I perform in order to choose the right plants that will thrive in certain areas, to re-using materials where possible, to ensure optimum eco-credentials and affordability.
Taking this first step with me now transforms what could be a complex construction project into an enjoyable, creative collaboration. It ensures that when the warm weather finally arrives, you aren't watching a building site - you are simply stepping out into your finished sanctuary, perfectly tailored to your lifestyle and the unique landscape of our beautiful region. Please note, however, that I do book up quickly – if you are looking for a design to be completed this year, don’t hesitate to get in touch now.
Ready to begin your garden’s transformation?
I would love to hear about your vision for your outdoor space. You can explore my previous projects to see the level of detail I bring to every design.
To arrange an initial consultation and ensure your garden is ready for the 2026 season, please get in touch via my contact page or call me directly on 07940 219 660.