A beautifully designed garden should feel like a natural extension of its surroundings, seamlessly blending with the landscape. This philosophy is at the heart of our company.
“I don’t want a garden to look like it’s been over designed. It needs to be functional and beautiful and to look as though it belongs now and into the future.”
Those are the thoughts from our leading garden designer Wendy Smith whose ethos is clear: Every garden she designs, whether it is a small, urban front garden or the scoping back garden of a manor house set in acres of countryside, must complement its surroundings… in other words, it must fit. And it is through her knowledge, skill and creativity she manages to achieve outstanding results.
Wendy thrives on the opportunity to create stunning gardens which will bring joy to her clients for years to come. But her success in creating these impressive new vistas does not come by chance. Read on as Wendy shares her approach to designing outstanding gardens:
“It might be the clients prefer a modern design, a formal structured space or country cottage garden but whatever it is, it needs to sit well within its surroundings.
“I try not to go with preconceptions and I look with an open mind before speaking to my clients. This being said research is key.
“I’ll start by looking at the aspect. The aspect is critical – which direction does the garden face – the topography, the direction of the prevailing wind; existing trees and plants speak volumes about the underlying soil and together all these elements go towards creating microclimates within the garden. A sunny wall or frost pockets created by this will affect where you sit or what you plant. A west facing garden can be perfect for relaxed seating to enjoy the last rays of sun whereas a small east facing patio is ideal for a small café table for morning coffee.
“As our climate changes, shade is becoming more and more important and there are ways to achieve this using plants or structures. I will drive along a street and look at the surroundings, at the plants which are already thriving in the location and at materials such as stone already used in the area, especially in long established historic houses. Where a house and garden are located affect the style and choice of materials. Of course, budget is one of the most important considerations to discuss from the start. I never want to design a garden which cannot be built.
“I also look at the house in detail, such as how the garden will link to the front or back door or even the windows. You have to look at the house which goes with the garden as it all needs to fit. Their choice of interior design is a good indication of their style preferences.
“I then have to understand how the clients want to use the garden. Is it for relaxing or for parties? Do they have children or do they want to use it for activities? Do they want a design which is practical or fun or a bit of both?
“I will talk to the clients at length to get their views and ideas. For example, when discussing existing plants, they may point out a copper beech hedging which they love so perhaps we can work with that colour.
“I never want a garden to look over designed and I also want it to feel like it is their garden, not mine. Quite early on we will get the landscapers involved and they might have another point of view or contribution.
“Then there are the talks on the layout, the paving, the planting – every element will be carefully considered before we set to work. The layout is the bones of the garden, where key areas are situated and how to link them together, the transition from one space to another.
“Communication is so important and we are known for developing good relationships with the people we work with and with our clients.
“I love my job and I know I am so lucky to be able to do something I love. There is a sense of joy and relief when a garden is completed. Gardens are living, breathing things and as we maintain them too, we get to see how they come to fruition.
“At the end of the day I want the garden to be a beautiful, functional space which will be enjoyed for years to come.”
Look at some of our wonderful garden transformations here. We would love to talk to you about transforming your garden into a wonderful sanctuary which you will love. Call us today on 07813 203464.
