How much do you need to budget to invest in your garden? This is a tricky subject but through the article I’ll explain the elements that influence the cost and some rough guidelines to budget with.
How Much Does a Garden Build Cost? Read More »
When should you consider engaging a Garden Designer and how long does it take to create a design. Read on to find out more.
How Long Does a Garden Design & Build Take? (Timeline Guide) Read More »
Showcasing an amazing garden transformation in st Margarets at Cliffe, Kent
Creating a Garden From a Car Park, St Margarets at Cliffe Read More »
An introduction to the new plans for gravel gardens and planting scheme at Elmley Nature Reserve
Gravel Garden Design at Elmley Nature Reserve Read More »
the before This gorgeous house in Hastingleigh, Kent has a great size garden. An usual layout means that the house sits right in the middle of the plot. There were already some good bones to the garden, but some odd layout decisions, resulted in the homeowners not enjoying great views from the house into the
House in the Middle of the Plot- Working with and Awkward Garden Layout, Hastingleigh Read More »
When the client, from this property in Chestfield nr Whitstable Kent, called me she was looking for help with her garden. The garden had areas that she wasn’t using as they felt a bit run down and neglected. The garden had been for her family but with the kids left home and the grandkids too
Redesigning a Garden after the Family have Grown Up, Chestfield Read More »
This new home in Guston, Kent had not long been built. The location is right at the top of cliffs but luckily the garden is mainly sheltered by walls. For a new build property, this garden is a great size and had a great potential. The large patio really dominated the space and the grass
Turning a Patio Heavy New Build Garden Into Useable Space, Dover Read More »
BEFORE The homeowners of this terraced garden in Faversham called me in to throw a fresh pair eyes on their garden. The catalyst? The new dog- the grass was now a muddy mess and growing plants was becoming tricky. What I saw when did my site analysis was that the garden had some good bones,
Dog Proofing a Muddy Terraced Garden, Faversham Read More »
before This large garden was very blank. There was a patio at the house and round the corner, the downstairs rooms looked out onto a fence. The site is very sloped and some areas were so steep it was a struggle to cut the grass. Apart from the odd rabbit there was very little wildlife
Designing a Steep, Blank Sloped Garden, Gravesend Read More »
I’m pleased to announce that I have been approved as a Garden Designer member of the Association of Professional Landscaper. The association checks all its members to ensure they are working to professional standards. For a long time I have used the association as a way to find professional landscapers to work with my clients.
Association of Professional Landscapers Read More »
Advice on how to look after your newly planted garden.
Looking After Your Newly Planted Garden Read More »
New Build Garden Transformation in New Romney Kent
New Build Garden Transformation: From Turf and Token Patio to Real Design, New Romney Read More »
Garden Design Transformation in Chislehurst Kent
Creating Privacy in a Garden with Many Neighbouring Properties, Chislehurst Read More »
When Julie and Bob moved into their new build home a large part of the draw was the size of the garden. Having left an established garden, they knew that the garden was an important space for them. Like most new homes the garden was a blank canvas, mainly lawn with a token small patio.
Designing a Garden From Scratch for a Blank New Build Plot, Charing Heath Read More »
Before This Kent village garden was mainly lawn with shrubs in the borders that surrounded it. Being south facing, the patio at the back of the house was a sun trap but also sometimes too hot. The client wanted a more cottage style garden and to reinvigorate the feel of the garden. As this is
Redesigning a Garden Overwhelmed with Lawn, Sheldwich Read More »
I’m very pleased to share that my entry to the APL awards, as a designer, has been shortlisted in the final. The APL are the Association of Professional Landscapers under the umbrella of the Horticultural Trade Association (HTA). As a designer member they vet that my design work is of a professional standard and that
APL awards – finalist Read More »
Absolutely love working with Catriona. She’s brought fantastic ideas to our project and has a very thoughtful approach to design to ensure it is functional too. Our garden is a complete turnaround situation and has taken a while to think through the right design, but Catriona has been incredibly patient throughout the process. Catriona challenges
Recommendations & Reviews Read More »
Balancing individual style with longevity in Garden Design
Bringing in a style to your garden, that is individual but still has wider appeal Read More »
How to connect you house and garden in the design of your outdoor spaces.
Garden Design Elements to Connect Your Indoor and Outdoor Spaces Read More »
I was listening to a designer talk about the differences in being a designer and a problem solver and it really resonated. I hadn’t had the realisation that my background had affected my design style so much, and how it makes my style of design different. I studied Engineering at the University of Aberdeen, the
Why I Engineer Garden Solutions Read More »
Before My client had moved to this new build home on the outskirts of the village of Hernhill in Kent. It’s a good size garden with views looking out onto the fruit trees behind. As with all newbuilds there was a small patio and the rest of the garden was mainly laid to lawn. My
New Build Country Garden Read More »
I’m delighted that I’ve been accepted as Garden Designer Landscape Specialist by London Stone. I’m very keen on their Contemporary Smooth Sandstone at the moment. If you would like to see my page please see here https://www.londonstone.co.uk/garden-designer/catriona-stiles-garden-design/
1. Get some inspiration There are a lot of garden styles and ambience that you can create in the garden. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” so go and visit gardens, garden shows and start a Pinterest board. Gather the nuggets of plant combinations, materials and design that calls to you. 2. Bring shapes
5 Steps to designing your garden for 2023 Read More »
How to use shapes in garden design to give you the wow factor
The 3 Shape Strategies to use in Garden Designs with the Wow Factor Read More »
Contemporary Garden Design is a popular choice for those wanting to extend their style, outside, into their outdoor space. But what is Contemporary Garden Design and how to go about implementing it into your garden? There are elements at play that take a garden from a bland space or unruly wild space into a beautiful
3 Must Have Elements for Stunning Contemporary Garden Design Read More »
Recommendation by Muddy Stilettos
Muddy Stilettos Kent Little Black Book 2023 Garden Designer Kent Read More »
I often hear people are going to wait for spring to buy plants and buy them. I’m here to offer a little bit of a gem in saving you money when buying plants…. Buy bare roots in the winter! Ok so what are bare root plants/ trees and shrubs? They are the same plants and
Looking for a Gardening Bargain? Read More »
A couple of years ago we created more space in our family home by putting on an extension to the rear. I’ve blocked out the stress now but I do have some tips on how it can impact your garden and what to consider in the planning. I’ve seen a lot of gardens that have
Considering Your Garden During an Extension Read More »
Why your garden can overwhelm you.
Does Your Garden Overwhelm You? Read More »
Your traditional new build home you normally get a token bit of patio and turf. When Pentland homes asked me to design a show home in New Romney I was pleased to offer a design to give structure and colour. Its a little different to design when you don’t see the garden before hand and
New Build Home Contemporary garden Read More »
In garden design, there is a trend, to provide an garden that is instantly ready, planted and looks amazing straight away. This is generally an expensive way to get a garden and I fear that its not great for the garden owner in the long term. For those fortunate enough, to have an outdoor space,
Is the instant garden preventing garden owners to connect with nature? Read More »
I was asked to design a new layout for a courtyard garden in Chilham in Kent. The owner knew she wanted a circular design and lush planting, The garden is split over two levels and wraps around the house. The garden had some raised beds, that were too narrow and not providing enough nutrients for
Split Level Courtyard Garden, Chilham Read More »
If you want a low maintenance garden mulching is the one job you should do. The plants will love you for it, you will need to water less and weed less! At this time of year there is an abundant resource of fallen leaves so gather them up and make some of your own black
Have you got black gold in your garden? Read More »
As I write this I’m about to shut my garden design booking for 2021. I’ve absolutely enjoyed all the designs I have worked on this year! As Winter is starting to set in I wanted to remind you that its not too early to book for next year. With possibility of more locking down the
Make a Garden You Love in 2022 Read More »
When you walk into your garden how does it make you feel? Does it give you a feeling of calm, space.. a breathe of fresh air? Or do you see all the weeds, the mess, an overwhelming list of jobs to do? I’ll be honest I sometimes flit between the two but this morning, on
Have you fallen out of love with your garden? Read More »
As Autumn starts to ebb in the colours left in the garden are from a few jewels. Sedum or Stonecrop is one of those autumn stars. They are actually called Hylotelephium but that probably going take me at least 5 years to absorb! I love the fact that these plants look great before the colour
Plant of the moment: sedum (stonecrop) Read More »
Buying a new house is incredibly exciting and hopefully stress free. You can move in to a fully maintained and decorated house, put your furniture in and voila you have a home. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for the garden. I’ve spent some time around the new estates local to me. I found that
How do you get a great garden in a new build house Read More »
Sometimes its not easy to see where to go next in your garden. Maybe its a bit overwhelming or if feels like there is a lack of vision. This is where it can be really useful to have someone come in to your garden with fresh eyes and give you some ideas. I love visualising
Garden consultation Read More »
I love when gardening surprises you. I had not really planned to put sunflowers in my garden design but fate decided other wise. Sunflower seeds were abundant in our house this spring. With three kids they came from granny, school, beavers, the wild flower mix,… even the veg box farmer! There were times when I
sunflowers – the plant of the moment Read More »
Do you have an area of your garden that doesn’t light you up? Would you like to spend time in your garden surrounded by tranquillity, greenery and colour? How would you love a border that is planted to give you colour through the seasons? Let me take the hard work out of it. By investing
Beautiful Borders Design and Plant Service Read More »
I know we are in summer and I’m harping on about thinking about Spring already… One of the enigmas of gardening is planning. You need to be thinking one to two seasons ahead, to keep colour and excitement in your planting throughout the year. So yes I would encourage you to think about bulb planting
summer is the time to plan spring planting Read More »
The plants in this picture make me smile, not just because of the colour combination but because of the story behind where they came from. Social media has its negatives but in terms of gardening it has made it more accessible and affordable. The Geum in this picture comes from a local guy who runs
how facebook helps gardening on a budget Read More »
Lots of clients ask for a low maintenance garden. It seems to be the holy grail of garden design. But what does low maintenance mean? How does it impact your experience of the garden? Is it achievable? When asked to design a garden with very little plants and just a lawn to make it low
do you want a low maintenance garden? Read More »
Why you need a garden designer? To get the perfect blend of logic and creative flair to make a vision for your garden.
why get a garden designer? Read More »
