What very strange times we are living through at the moment! Whilst vast teams of carers, food distribution works, politicians, amongst others, fight the war on Covid 19 so many of use are heeding the advice to stay at home. 
Stuck within the confines of our homes and gardens it's easy to get restless and we all need something to keep us busy. So i urge you to get out into your garden (following the social distancing guidelines obviously!). 
The sun is shining and spring has arrived so with more time on our hands now is a perfect opportunity to take a look at what we have and make the most of it. 
​FREE GARDENING ADVICE >>> There are lots of articles on the ADVICE HUB which i have written to inspire your next project, be it ideas for screening, paving, planting design, plants for borders and pots, encouraging wildlife, transforming small gardens and so much more. 
And what's more it's all free advice and at your disposal!...
If you'd like more detailed advice about your garden project, i am taking bookings for remote consultations. Get in touch to find out more

Most of my recent projects have included an arbour, pergola, arcade or similar structure within the design. Often i'm asked by clients to create some privacy within the space as so often gardens are overlooked by neighbours and these structures can do just that. Some gardens simply benefit from a structure giving height to the space and drawing your eye upwards - a great trick for making a space seem larger.  Garden arbours are useful for creating shade from the sun during the summer months so are ideally placed over patios in sunny spots. I also use garden structures to create zones or rooms within a garden which can make a space seem larger and i love to uses arches for sculptural purposes - to frame a view or pathway.  So what is the difference between a Pergola, Arbour etc... 
Arbours - a free-standing structure most often covered in climbing plants 
Arcades - a series of arches often over a pathway
Pergolas - a covered walkway, traditionally constructed of a double row of upright posts with support cross beams. These can also be attached to a wall along onside to form a shelter. 
Arch - typically consisting of a pair of upright posts with a cross support beam.
​And how can we use them in the garden.....

Increasingly often I’m being contacted by home owners who are overlooked by neighbours and would like more privacy.  I find that new build homes are often overlooked from all sides and can have as many as 5 neighboring properties having a clear view into the garden and through windows.
There are several options i recommend for screening in such circumstances. The style of the garden, level of maintenance required and the budget are all things i take into account when selecting the right option for a garden design plan.
Contemporary slatted screening:  A form of screening i’m using in a lot of gardens currently to give a modern sleek look. It can effectively screen unsightly buildings and shed, add height to boundaries and it can be used within the garden space to create zones. Depending on budget, there are several timber options to choose from – treated soft wood right through to beautiful hardwoods.
Bespoke timber screening:  Where height is required, free-standing timber screens can be erected. Using sturdy posts, bespoke trellis work can be designed and attached to give a screen above existing fencing....

​We often neglect our front gardens as we spend so little time in them, choosing to relax and entertain in the privacy of our back gardens.  However as we use them numerous times a day when we leave and return to our home, with a little effort a neat, tidy and uncluttered front garden can be a very welcome site at the end on a hard day at work.  The way we present our front garden also sets the tone for our home so considering the garden design and planting design options is worthwhile. Unlike our secluded rear gardens the space at the front of our property is on show to all of those who pass by, our visitors, our neighbours and even the postie! Whether you have a small postage stamp size space or a grand sweeping driveway, sprucing up the front garden is a benefit not only to ourselves but to our community too.  ​