Cottage Garden, Bournemouth

The focal point of this garden was an old trampoline, ageing fence and the garden lacked shape and interest.

The fence was replaced and the borders shaped and enlarged. Existing plants were moved to sit alongside new species to form a planting scheme reminiscent of a cottage garden.

The trampoline was replaced by a painted summer house and circular patio of Indian sandstone.

Mediterranean Garden, Shepherds Bush

This garden has a dry soil, little light on one side and existing plants were struggling to thrive.

A Mediterranean theme was chosen, perfect for the south facing dry borders and shade loving evergreens were planted in the darker zones. Old and overgrown shrubs were removed, the soil prepared and the fence and trellis replaced.

Olive trees were under-planted by Lavender and Thyme as the centre point for the Mediterranean garden. Evergreen Jasmine and Yuccas work as a foil for the purple Erysimum and Salvias which grow against the wall.

A variety of shade loving evergreens provide year round colour and foliage for the shady borders and in spring white Daffodils, Bluebells and purple Alliums adorn the borders before the rest of the garden comes to life.

English Country Garden, Richmond

A beautiful wall of reclaimed bricks was built in this garden but none of the plants survived.

The soil was improved and the borders enlarged and shaped for the new plants. Small-leaved Lime trees were planted to provide screening above the fence.

A simple colour palette of purples, greens and whites was chosen to compliment the warm colours of the wall. White Hydrangeas contrast with the purple spires of Lavender and Salvias, while Osmanthus, Pittisporum and Jasmines provide year round evergreen interest. The following year the opposite border planted with the same species to provide visual unity and balance.

Garden for family & friends, Richmond

This garden had a rotten shed, no privacy from neighbours and a lack of trees.

A painted shed was installed and a wall-top trellis. A picket fence was added and borders were shaped. Two circular sandstone patios were added to provide areas for entertaining and a hidden children’s play area was installed at the rear of the garden.

A variety of plants were added including flowering cherries, Cotoneaster and Silver Birches too provide privacy. These were under-planted with pink and white Roses, Hydrangeas and Lavender.

On the walls Wisteria, Clematis, Jasmine and climbing Roses grow. Ferns and evergreens with pink and variegated foliage add texture and colour in winter. To complete the garden a winding path of sandstone stepping stones was added leading the eye to an attractive seating area and painted shed.

Japanese Garden, Teddington

Steps and a raised wooden boardwalk were installed to access the children’s play area at the end of this slopping garden.

The family wanted a peaceful space with low maintenance planting which they could enjoy all year round. The light gravel in the Japanese style lift and lighten the garden especially in winter. The large stones provide a sense of space and backdrop for the dwarf evergreens, Japanese Acers, flowering Quince and scented Jasmine.

Mediterranean style front garden, Ham

The garden was a blank canvas following extensive building works to the house. However the foundations of an old brick wall were found which needed to be removed before the picket fence could be installed.

A painted bicycle shed was installed and two lawns placed either side of the gravel path, bordered by a variety of formal evergreen shrubs to give structure and interest year round.

English lavender flanks the path with purple Penstimons, Osteospermums and fragrant Skimmia in the beds.

A bench provides a view of the river Thames and two lollipop Bay trees welcome you before entering the house.

Gravel Garden, Twickenham

The garden had an overgrown hedge blocking light, tired looking gravel and a dull path.

The owners liked the simplicity of gravel but wanted something fresh and modern. The paved path was cleaned restoring its yellow hue and the hedges on the neighbour’s boundary replaced with spring flowering Osmanthus and autumn flowering Elaeagnus.

Delicate-leaved Pittisporum compliment the Victorian wall, alongside magenta Heucheras, red-tipped Hebes, winter budding Skimmias and two lollipop ‘Red Robin’ trees.

Up-cycled terra cotta pots sit either side of the front door with white Hellebores, red-tipped Hebes, variegated ivys and fragrant Daphnes.