Inspirational Landscapes
It is the natural landscape where I gain most of the inspiration for my garden designs, rather than from other gardens. Although I do enjoy visiting historic and private gardens, it is often in these places that I discover new plants or interesting planting combinations.
The natural rhythms and proportions found in nature inform how I proportion my designs within the confines of the domestic gardens I create. Light also plays a large role in determining the placement of plants with particular textures, helping to maximise their potential within the overall scheme.
Any piece of ground will contain its own microclimates and growing conditions, such as dry areas, exposed or sheltered spots, damper ground or even boggy conditions. It is not always possible, or desirable, to change these. Instead, I prefer to work with them and choose the right plant for the right place.
This is where the science of the setting and the specific requirements of each plant come into play, alongside the creative process of arranging plants in a way that is aesthetically pleasing, looks right and works with minimal intervention.
It is this blend of science and art that brought me out of the natural landscape and into gardens, where I can explore my own creativity while still working within the constraints of nature.