Here, we share what inspires us, from design tips and planting ideas to stories behind the gardens we create.

How a narrow, sloping garden behind a Victorian terrace in Hackney became a Mediterranean garden, with brick terraces, bespoke sandstone stepping pads, a sunken dining terrace and low-allergen planting.

Gardens are having to cope with increasingly challenging growing conditions. Hotter summers, prolonged periods without rain and water restrictions are becoming more familiar to gardeners across the UK. This makes drought tolerant planting design increasingly important when designing a garden. Choosing plants that can cope with dry conditions can reduce the amount of supplementary watering required and create a garden that is more resilient during periods of drought. But droug

A large garden can seem like the ultimate luxury. There is space for generous lawns, mature trees, planting, entertaining and secluded places to sit. But having more space does not necessarily make a garden more enjoyable. In fact, one of the most common challenges in large garden design is making a generous space feel welcoming and connected rather than empty or disconnected. The answer is not simply to fill the garden with more plants or features. Good garden design is abou

Forty Hall Viewed Across The Pond, With Mature Cedar of Lebanon & Giant Redwood Trees Designing a large country garden is very different from designing a small private garden or creating an individual planting scheme. The challenge is not to introduce beautiful plants or create a series of attractive spaces, but to develop a landscape where every element feels connected and where the garden continues to evolve over time. For the past two years I have been developing a garden

Designing a large country estate garden requires a considered approach to scale, structure and planting. Discover how thoughtful landscape design creates character, structure and a sense of place in expansive Hertfordshire gardens

How art can enhance your garden to new levels, portray your unique personal character and set your outdoor space apart from the rest.

Transforming a garden into a truly usable and beautiful space is a process that goes far beyond planting and paving. At its best, garden design creates an outdoor environment that feels like a natural extension of the home—somewhere to spend time, not just look at. A well-designed garden balances structure, atmosphere, and practicality. It should respond to how you actually live, while also offering a sense of calm, escape, and seasonal change. What Defines a High End Garden?

Designing a Garden in St Albans Designing a garden isn’t about filling space with plants or adding a patio. It’s about shaping an outdoor environment that feels considered, balanced and personal to the people who use it. In St Albans, gardens sit within a rich architectural context — from period homes near the city centre to more contemporary properties on the outskirts. A well-designed garden should respond to that setting, not compete with it. It should feel as though it be

Creating a garden that truly supports the way you live is about more than choosing plants or materials. In my experience, the most successful gardens are the result of a clear design process, properly resolved details, and close collaboration between designer and landscaper. I work as an independent garden designer, developing thoughtful, site-specific designs that are intended to be built accurately and enjoyed for years to come. By focusing on a strong design foundation and

Creating a Stunning Country Estate Landscape: A Journey of Design and Nature Creating a stunning country estate landscape in Hertfordshire or the Home Counties is a rewarding journey. It’s about blending nature’s beauty with thoughtful design to craft a space that feels both grand and inviting. I’ve always believed that a garden should be an extension of your home—a place where you can unwind, entertain, and express your personal style. Whether you have sprawling grounds or a

There is something deeply soothing about a garden that feels like it has grown naturally, as if it belongs to the landscape rather than being imposed upon it. I have always been drawn to gardens that celebrate the beauty of nature in its most authentic form. Sustainable naturalistic gardening offers a way to create such spaces - gardens that are not only visually stunning but also environmentally responsible and harmonious with their surroundings. It's an approach at the hear

The Art of Bespoke Garden Design: Transforming Your Outdoor Space Introduction When many people think of garden design, they imagine...

What Defines an Award-Winning Garden Design? An award-winning garden design is more than just a pretty space. It’s a carefully orchestrated balance of creativity, technical skill, and storytelling. My Eco Oasis Show Garden at Gardeners’ World Live 2024 was awarded Platinum, Best Construction, and Best Show Garden. Here’s a look behind the scenes at what it really takes to create a garden that captures attention and hearts. Platinum, Best Construction, and Best Show Garden at

In the story of a country estate, few features offer as much lasting value and beauty as an arboretum. A quiet grove of rare specimens or a sweeping landscape designed for seasonal drama, an arboretum is more than a collection of trees; it’s your very own living, breathing legacy. As a garden designer with a deep respect for heritage, ecology, and place, I see arboretums as one of the most meaningful investments a landowner can make. Why Plant an Arboretum? An arboretum isn’t

Walled gardens are often the quietest spaces on a country estate. They can be tucked away behind timeworn gates or hidden behind brambles, sometimes forgotten entirely. But for those lucky enough to have one, they offer an incredible opportunity, one that’s worth bringing back to life. They have the potential to become something special. Whether it’s about respecting the garden’s original layout or using the old walls to frame something entirely new, these spaces deserve cons

As a garden designer with a background in both construction and horticulture, I’ve had the privilege of working on several country...

Published in the June edition of the Garden Design Journal: As a pre-registered SGD member Dan Hartley puts the finishing touches to his trade stand design for Dawn Conn Sculptures at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this May, and his Eco Oasis Garden on the APL Avenue at BBC Gardeners' World Live this June, he considers the importance of using art in garden design. Pelicans by Simon Gudgeon Gardens are unique places where art and nature are drawn together by the garden designer.

I was recently contacted by a sculptor regarding her trade stand at this year's Chelsea Flower Show. She needed a beautiful, eye-catching design in which to display her sculptures. "This is what I do!" I told her enthusiastically. I love placing art in gardens, so I was thrilled to get the chance to showcase my work at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. Creating a garden for the Chelsea Flower Show has always been a personal ambition of mine, and having the opportunity to d

As you may have seen on Gardeners' World last week, Dan Hartley Garden Design was awarded Best Show Garden for our naturalistic,...

Dan Talking to garden owners at the Ideal Home Show 2024