Getting to know your garden
How well do you know the plants in your garden?
A part of my design process, I find so rewarding, is working with my clients. Sure you could get a garden design, get it made and have an instant garden but how would it make you feel? I think a little bit disengaged from the garden you have. I love that my clients have an emotional connection to their gardens. If you know what plants are there, what the soil is like... you are rewarded on a completely different level, mentally.
I spent some time last week setting out all the plants for a client. Between the four of us we got the front and back garden planted in two days. Its always great spending time with people talking about plants, gardening, sustainability, putting the world to rights..
The front garden has been tricky as its in the shade, and is really stoney. I've worked with Sarah closely on plant selection. Come the spring there will be a much greener outlook from the house windows. This time of year a lot of perennials just look like dead sticks but they are there waiting for days of longer sunlight!
Upgrading your garden doesn't have to be a one hit project. Pick a border at a time, get to know your new plant pals and enjoy.
Get in touch if you would like some help to evolve your garden to the next step. https://www.catrionastiles.co.uk/
Catriona
Hi, I’m a creator
At this point in January there is no hiding place left in the garden. I have a love hate relationship with this time of year. Part of me is itching for spring to come, to clear the decks and allow new growth in, the other part clinging on to anything that adds structural interest. Gardening for me at the moment is a quick break, away from the computer, to get me outside and re-assess what I have. When all the perennials have gone and the grasses have blown over you are left with the...
www.catrionastiles.co.uk Smoke, Mirrors and a Paintbrush! I have had a really exciting May. Along with my designs being started to be made this month I was lucky enough to work at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show! I've always loved going to show for inspiration and have been going for more than 15 years now. When I found out that a designer, Camellia Taylor, near to me, was designing and building a garden I got in touch with her to offer a helping hand. I'm very pleased she said yes. Donning the...
Musa Ensete with Fairy Lights for Christmas After last years munching on my Bananas, by spider-mite, I was sure I was going to dry them out this year and keep them in the shed. However, with the weather this year, they actually only really got going in September/ October and it seemed a shame to hack them back. This year I have pre-armed with nematodes. They seem to have faced off my fungas gnats so I think it will work! Large Country Garden I've been working on several large garden designs...