Garden design · at the scale of plants
Planting plans
and border design.
Your garden’s layout may already work well. Perhaps it’s just the planting that needs harmony.
A thoughtful border plan brings together plants that suit the light, soil and your daily life. So your garden has more than just one beautiful moment.
Look inside a border plan
01 / Starting with the site
First the place.
Then the plant.
A sunny front garden and a bed beneath a tree need different plants. Alongside your favourite colours, I look at what will thrive in the setting and how much care you want to give.
- 01Light and microclimate
- When does the bed get sun? Is it shaded by a tree or building, how hot does it get, and how windy is it? These differences help determine the species.
- 02Soil and water
- Soil structure, water retention and drainage all matter together. We discuss watering options in light of these conditions.
- 03Space and care
- I plan for a plant’s mature size, not just its size when bought. There must be room for growth, movement and maintenance too.
02 / One border, several layers
Distinct characters.
One composition.
In this sketch, contrasting plant forms bring order. Explore three details: what holds it together, what guides the eye and what softens the edge.
The view shows proportions. Exact species, quantities and spacing are chosen for your garden’s conditions.
03 / Time is part of the design
More than
a moment in flower.
Alongside flowers, leaves, plant shapes and winter structure shape the garden. They work together: what forms a backdrop, when does a plant take centre stage, and what stays interesting after flowering?
A naturalistic, Mediterranean-inspired or restrained modern border starts with the same thinking. I shape its character with plants suited to the place.
Spring
New shoots, fresh leaves,
early accents.
Summer
Flowers, full planting,
welcome shade.
Autumn
Changing leaf colours,
fruits and textures.
Winter
Branches, evergreens,
enduring shapes.
a changing climate
A drought-tolerant garden needs more than the right plants.
Soil, mulch, shade and the opportunity to retain water on site also matter. I aim for planting that suits the garden and the care you can provide. Even drought-tolerant plants need watering while they establish.
04 / From drawing to planting
See the border.
Know what goes where.
We choose the drawings to suit the task. A sketch and a detailed planting plan answer different questions; the quote specifies exactly what will be prepared.
What’s in your plan- 01Visual sketch
- Makes the border’s character, heights and the proportions of plant groupings clear.
- 02Planting plan
- Shows plant positions, the size of planting areas and the layout needed for planting.
- 03Plant list
- The chosen plants and quantities provide an organised basis for sourcing.
- 04Flowering calendar
- Gives a clear overview of when the chosen plants flower and how they follow one another.
The exact level of detail and the documents provided depend on the chosen service.
Packages and pricesWhen is a border plan enough instead of a full garden plan?
If the main routes, terrace and use areas work well but planting in a front garden, terrace strip or existing bed needs rethinking, a targeted border plan may be enough. If the layout also needs change, review the whole garden first.
Can my existing plants be included?
Yes. Design begins with reviewing existing plants, their positions and roles. Healthy plants in suitable places that fit the concept are worth keeping. New planting can build on these assets.
Can a planting plan be prepared remotely?
Yes, with bed dimensions, recent photos, details of plants to keep and site conditions. We clarify missing information at the start. More complex situations may need extra measurements or a site discussion.
A front garden. A border. A fresh start.
Is there a garden corner
you’d like to renew?
Tell me where the border is, how big it is and what you’d like to change. If you have a photo, I’d love to see it too.
Let’s talk about your border What's in the plan