The saying for March, ‘in like a lamb, out like a lion’, wasn’t entirely accurate as we had some gloriously, warm weather at the end of the month, but don’t be fooled, there are cold days and frosts still to come. Nothing stops the steady progress of weeds, so they are top of the list. Read More
We had one or two exceptionally warm days in February, but don’t get caught out, there are certainly more frosts and cold weather in store. Top dress your containers. Simply remove the top 5cm (2”) of compost in the container and replace it with fresh compost, such as soil based John Innes No 3, or Read More
It’s an exciting time in the garden, full of promise. The days are lengthening and despite some hard frosts, temperatures are rising and spring bulbs appearing. Pruning As a very general guide, plants which flower early in the year are pruned immediately after flowering, because they flower on the previous year’s growth. This gives them Read More
The barn has been beautifully converted to a home, with large gardens to the front and back. Phase 1 of the front garden, will begin this spring as soon as the weather permits. ANALYSIS AND THE BRIEF The area currently comprises a field and gravel drive with parking and when the trees are bare, this Read More
A Coastal Garden in Swanage ANALYSIS AND THE BRIEF High above the bay, sits a new, superbly designed contemporary house with views of the sea from all the upstairs living areas; a sloping garden lies on the inland side of the building. The owners want a beautiful garden to look at, which is easy to look Read More
Low Maintenance Country Garden in the New Forest Hidden away in 25 acres of mature woodland, this lovely old character property has been completely renovated; open fires, family kitchen with aga and squashy sofas, all with views of the garden. The Brief: Design and build a terrace with a path extending around the house, screen Read More
Design Case Study Broadmayne click the link below to read more about this garden and see the construction, in the Purbeck! Magazine article. Garden Design in Purbeck Once described as a ‘Gentleman’s Residence’, this 1930’s brick house has been brought firmly into the 21st century with new bathrooms, under-floor heating, crisp furnishings and an elegant, spacious Read More
Sloping Town Garden, approximately 20m x 11m Analysis and Problems Little usable, level space and no entertaining/dining area. One retaining wall situated too close to the back door, making the space feel pinched and unwelcoming, with narrow concrete steps leading to a slippery grass slope. Few plants of any note apart from a very beautiful, Read More
Long, Narrow Country Garden Built when Cavaliers and Roundheads were rampaging the countryside, this pretty, thatched cottage with its long stretch of garden, could tell many a fascinating tale! Analysis and Problems Partially, over-looked by the neighbouring property, the garden is narrow, over 30 metres long and very typical of its time, but with high Read More
NEW HOUSE AND GARDEN Step from your lovely new home into a secluded, peaceful oasis of plants and dappled sunlight, the perfect place to enjoy a freshly ground coffee with the Sunday papers, maybe a lazy lunch or a candle-lit supper with friends. We were far from this idyll, with a few concrete slabs making Read More