Garden Designer & Plantswoman | Bel Grierson | Loughborough, Leicestershire
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    • Contemporary Country Garden - Stanford on Soar
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    • Large Family Garden - Burbage
    • Gravel Garden - Rothley
    • Family Garden - Ashby de la Zouch
    • Sloping Garden - Ashby de la Zouch
    • Long Narrow Garden - Shepshed
    • Plant Lovers Paradise - Ragdale
    • Contemporary Cottage Garden - Loughborough
    • Formal Front Garden - Loughborough
    • Kerb Appeal Front Garden - Ashby de la Zouch
    • Traditional Kitchen and Formal Garden - Loughborough
    • Cool Colour Palette Planting Scheme - Melton Mowbray
    • Country Garden Planting Transformation - Little Dalby
    • Wildlife Pond Project - Loughborough
    • Country Style Front Garden- Fiskerton, Nottinghamshire
    • Curvaceous Country Garden - Blaby
    • Rural Country Garden -West Haddon
    • Contemporary Country Garden - Billesdon
    • Farmhouse Country Garden - Market Bosworth
    • Country Garden Redesign - Rothley, Leicestershire.
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  • Home
  • Garden Design
  • 3D Garden Visuals
  • Planting Design
  • Portfolio
    • Contemporary Country Garden - Stanford on Soar
    • Country Garden - Rothley
    • Plant Lovers Garden - Shepshed
    • Large Family Garden - Burbage
    • Gravel Garden - Rothley
    • Family Garden - Ashby de la Zouch
    • Sloping Garden - Ashby de la Zouch
    • Long Narrow Garden - Shepshed
    • Plant Lovers Paradise - Ragdale
    • Contemporary Cottage Garden - Loughborough
    • Formal Front Garden - Loughborough
    • Kerb Appeal Front Garden - Ashby de la Zouch
    • Traditional Kitchen and Formal Garden - Loughborough
    • Cool Colour Palette Planting Scheme - Melton Mowbray
    • Country Garden Planting Transformation - Little Dalby
    • Wildlife Pond Project - Loughborough
    • Country Style Front Garden- Fiskerton, Nottinghamshire
    • Curvaceous Country Garden - Blaby
    • Rural Country Garden -West Haddon
    • Contemporary Country Garden - Billesdon
    • Farmhouse Country Garden - Market Bosworth
    • Country Garden Redesign - Rothley, Leicestershire.
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • ADVICE HUB

Advice Hub

Garden Inspiration, Expertise and Advice

Spot Light On... Yorkstone Paving

29/4/2022

 
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Reclaimed Yorkstone circle with Millstone
When choosing paving materials for your garden project, there will seem to be a bewildering array ​available!  If you visit your local stone or building merchant you will be dazzled by everything from natural stone to man made products. So today we are looking at one of the options available - natural Yorkstone.  

A dense sandstone quarried in Yorkshire, Yorkstone has been used for centuries in our cities and has long proved its suitability to the British climate.  Sourced new from quarries in Yorkshire, each piece is typically hand-finished by an expert stonemasons to create the precise riven or sawn (smooth) finish. 

Yorkstone is available in a range of buff or grey colours in paving and sett formats. The setts are ideal for a hard-wearing driveway or high-traffic area whereas the pavers work well for paved areas and copings. ​

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Farmhouse Country Garden - Planting Design Project

26/11/2021

 
Farmhouse Country Garden
A collaboration with landscaping company Soar Valley Services Ltd, Bel was asked to design and install the planting design scheme for this large family garden. Following the major re-landscaping efforts to transform the former Farmhouse land with water features, terracing, stone walling and paving using reclaimed yorkstone, the garden was ready to plant in Autumn of 2020.   
​The clients had moved from an established garden and brought with them several Roses and Hydrangeas which were incorporated into the scheme, alongside evergreen shrubs, ornamental grasses and colourful perennials for a splash of colour throughout the seasons...


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Contemporary Country Garden - Billesdon

24/9/2021

 
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Bel was contacted by the owners this country property in rural Leicestershire back in September 2019. They has been updating the interior of the property and were now ready to tackle the exterior. Nothing much had been done with the garden since the house had been built in the 1990's. There was a large area of lawn and some planting beds with plants which had become out of control and oversized. To be in keeping with the renovated interior the clients were keen to being a contemporary feel to the garden whilst maintaining the country feel. 

The rear garden faces East so the clients could only sit in the sun in the early morning with there current patio, so top of the wish list was a larger entertaining area sited further back from the house to catch more of the afternoon sunshine.  This meant cutting back into an existing bank of lawn which raised up from the patio to the rear boundary. The clients were very keen not to have a solid wall as a retainer as this would look austere in the surroundings. They were also keen to incorporate soft naturalistic style planting into the garden.

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Rural Garden Transformation - Phase 1

23/7/2021

 
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Bel was contacted by the owners of a pretty Northamptonshire cottage back in November 2019 when they were looking for a garden designer to help them with there garden development project. They had recently bought a one acre paddock to the rear of their cottage and had planning permission to renovate and extended their cottage with an Oak framed extension, Oak clad garden stores and a Shepherds Hut. The property redevelopment would allow far reaching views over the beautiful rolling hills of Northamptonshire, and the garden was to play a key part in the project, linking the plot with the land beyond, and nestling the renovated cottage into the newly acquired land...

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My Own Garden in Summer

23/4/2021

 
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I love colour! And now where is it more present than in the Sun Terrace Borders of my own garden in June & July!  A 'room' within my garden, the sun terrace was created to make the most of the early morning and evening sun. A slender rectangle of sandstone paving, with a central feature pointing towards North, South, East and West, there is a beautiful teak bench on the East and West axis, which are perfect for soaking up the sun rays. 
The paving is surrounded by deep borders filled with a riotous selection of perennials, and a few select shrubs and grasses. The planting provides year-round colour and interest but reaches a crescendo in the early summer months. 
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Butterfly Friendly Planting

26/3/2021

 
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Recent research indicates that our treasured domestic gardens in Britain cover an area bigger than all of the country’s nature reserves combined. Our own gardens may not be large but they create important wildlife corridors for wildlife and much needed habitats.  With the loss of many natural grasslands, meadows and woodlands, our gardens are becoming vital in the battle to preserve our biodiversity. 

Not all of our butterflies live solely in the UK, some migrate from Europe each year and will be attracted into our gardens if we can offer them a nectar rich food supply and food sources for their younger selves. Butterflies are generally 'on the w ing from March to October', so by ensuring we have a succession of flowering plants in bloom throughout the seasons will provide them with a vital food source and we can enjoy the display too.

When setting about a planting bed from scrath or adding to an existing scheme, it's important to ensure there is sufficient of each plant variety to support the butterflies and attract them to the garden - so planting in groups of 3, 5 or 7 will help. Butterflies will prefer a sheltered spot too so planting by a boundary wall or fence would be beneficial. 

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Creating Wild Flower Meadow

26/2/2021

 
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Talk of wild flower meadows conjure up a romantic vision of flower filled fields on summer days, buzzing with bees and chirping with Grasshoppers. 

The cornflower & poppy dappled grassland is not a 'natural phenomenon' but a result of early farming methods which have all but disappeared as agriculture has become more intensive.  Although not a natural environment it is clear that the flower rich meadow habitat is an ideal home for wildlife, and it's loss has taken a huge toll on our native flora and fauna. Farmers are now being encouraged to develop meadow like strips to be created along field edges to allow a home to wildlife and also develop corridors to allow wildlife to move from one area to another. 

The reintroduction on wild flower meadow needn't be purely the task of farmers. Private gardens in the UK cover as much as 10 millions acres and converting just a small percentage of this green space into rich wild flower meadow would have a dramatic effect on the biodiversity of the country. 

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Kitchen & Formal Garden Transformation

25/12/2020

 
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The transformation process
From wilderness to elegant garden
Back in early 2019, Bel was contacted by clients in Loughborough in the depths of a large renovation project of a 1930's property.  Keen to plan ahead they were looking to have a garden design plan ready for and waiting for when the builders left site. 
 
The clients had two key requests - a substantial kitchen garden, with space for a Greenhouse, raised beds and fruit trees and a level croquet lawn. As the clients are very busy, and keen to spend their time concentrating on growing produce, the ornamental planting was to be kept to a minimum  whilst still offering year-round colour and interest.  

Bel created a Garden Design Package to develop the site tailored to the clients needs and budget. The physical transformation began in early May 2020 in the midst of the Pandemic. Thankfully the team were able to work outside safely and rapidly cleared the site and set to the construction of the kitchen garden raised beds, paving and greenhouse base. The oak sleeper terracing then went in which enabled 2 large level 'terraces' to be created which would be used for the croquet lawn and kitchen garden areas. The level changes across the site created steps, tiered pathways and seating areas and a pathway to access the kitchen garden easily from the house. A raised pathway  also allowed for an area to view the croquet lawn during play.  A series of timber square framed arches were installed, adding height and framing the view to the kitchen garden. An orchard area for fruit trees was created adjacent  to the kitchen garden and the ground laid with wildflower meadow turf to attract wildlife.  To the rear, the mature trees were selectively pruned and rejuvenated then underplanted with woodland style planting, offering a wilder area within the garden...

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Growing Delicious Herbs in Your Garden

25/9/2020

 
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Chives
As we’ve all been forced to spend more time at home and less time socialising this year, many of us are reconnecting with our gardens and creating tasty food to feed our loved ones. One way of combining the too is to grow your own produce. Herbs must be the best crop if you’re looking for a low maintenance option, where by you have little input but can regularly harvest fresh and delicious leaves as and when you need them.
I love to cook & popping out and pick something to flavour a casserole, curry or sauce is a real treat. I tend to use the hardy evergreen herbs like Rosemary & Sage in the winter months & the softer perennial & tender herbs like Basil, Mint and Coriander in the spring & summer.

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Shady Gardens - Making the most of Shady Places

28/8/2020

 
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​If there’s one thing that every garden has it’s a shady place!  Whether your patch is overcast by mature trees, screened by a building or simply shaded by taller planting in a few places, coping with shade can seem tricky, but with a bit of know how and some handy tips, you can tackle your shady places and transform them from dull spots in to a green and verdant garden.
Shady areas are typically defined by the lack of direct sunlight to the ground. With less light, sun loving plants struggle to establish and become thin and weedy. The ground can be dry too which can cause problems for any new plants in the area as they try to compete for moisture. Despite these less than ideal conditions, there are plants that will happily thrive given the right initial care and attention.
​If you have a shady area to tackle it’s worth considering just how shady it is and what the soil is like before visiting a garden centre or nursery for plants, that way you’ll be able to choose the right plant for the right place...

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    Welcome to the
    ADVICE HUB

    Here you'll find lots of useful information, Tips, Ideas and Advice on Garden Design, Planting Design, Garden Maintenance and on how to get the most from your outdoor space. 
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    Author: Bel Grierson

    Expert Plantswoman and Garden Designer with 21 years experience in horticulture.  Bel loves to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with those with gardens large and small.

    Looking for advice on budgeting for a garden transformation? Check out these articles:
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We are absolutely delighted with our beautiful new garden designed and installed by Bel! We had an unusually shaped garden which we didn't have the knowledge to handle, but at the same time had quite specific ideas of what we liked and disliked. Bel listened to our ideas and the challenge didn't phase her at all! The preparation of the the soil by her team, and the planting of the garden by Bel herself over three days couldn't have gone smoother. We would highly recommend Bel in terms of her expertise, conscientiousness and friendly, easy going personality and we can't stop looking at our amazing new garden!

Mrs Prist, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

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"Bel is brilliant. Easy to work with. Lots of ideas and plans but great at listening and quickly tapping into what you like, want and need. She has bags of style with a healthy dose of practicality and is 100% reliable. Totally recommend." ​

Mrs Munden - Thrussington, Leicestershire

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"Bel delivered professional advice in a friendly way after she had established what her clients wished to achieve.  All in all - it has been a pleasure to work with her"

Mrs Harrison - Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire

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"If you are looking for advice on your garden or a new designs then look no further than Bel Grierson. We have used her on several aspects of our garden to lower the maintenance and update the planting with spectacular results. Bel is easy to work with and is totally in tune with all our requirements."

Mr Stapleton - Rothley, Leicestershire

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"Bel has delivered a delightful garden with a design that has transformed a shallow plot surrounded by fences, into a garden full of interest.  Bel listened carefully to our concerns and gave her total attention to each step of the way." ​​

Mr & Mrs Bayley - Loughborough, Leicestershire

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​​"Our 20 year old garden was looking tired and boring. No colour and a mishmash of plants that were past their sell-by date. We had no idea what to do to rescue the situation as we knew very little about what plants would do well. Then we found Bel. Our garden is transformed; beautiful colour that just keeps coming all through the year, easy maintenance and a joy to sit and look at with an appropriate glass in one hand. Bel interpreted our thoughts perfectly and has produced an extraordinary result. She is patient with non-gardeners, knowledgeable and highly professional. Not afraid to get her hands dirty and endlessly helpful. I simply cannot recommend her too highly."

Mr & Mrs Benussi - Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire

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"Bel redesigned and planted our garden this summer. It has transformed it from dark and dingy to a fresh open space. Bel is a pleasure to work with, friendly and helpful, full of ideas and always ready to listen to what you want and find the best way of delivering it. Recommended!"

Mr Goodman - Loughborough, Leicestershire

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​"Bel provided good advice and warm, friendly and professional support at all stages of our garden transformation. Her knowledge about plants and her design ideas gave us confidence from the outset. We are delighted with the result, and now look forward to enjoying our new garden in the months and years to come."

Mr Corner - Rearsby, Leicestershire

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"Bel has recently redesigned a large area in my garden which was previously a 'wilderness'. I was very pleased with the design that she came up with - it was clear that she had paid attention to what I had said I wanted and understood my style. Great communication throughout the process and now that the planting is finished I am looking forward to next spring and watching it develop."

Mrs Phillips - Ratby, Leicestershire

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Thank you very much Bel for your design to renovate our back garden. It’s been great to work with you, we really appreciated spending time with you to hear your ideas and develop those with you for a new vision for our garden. We love the pond and wild at the back of the garden and the new plants you’ve sourced have all settled in very well and we are excited to see how they will grow!

Mr & Mrs Adshead, Loughborough

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Bel Grierson Garden Design Limited
Registered Address: C/O Chesterton House Accounting Services LLP, 2-3 Rectory Place, Loughborough, LE11 1UW

Company Number:  13017102 (England & Wales) 
VAT Number: 399744816

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