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Making the most of the length of the garden

New Build Garden New Romney

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Large Suburban Garden, Chislehurst Kent

New Build Home Garden

New Home Contemporary Garden Transformation

Walled Garden

Walled Country Garden Transformation

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New Build Country Garden

New Build Garden

New Build Home Contemporary garden

You can invest a lot in your garden in time and money and get a garden that looks ok but is not amazing. There are a lot of factors at work in garden design. The ability to mix practical and creativity is a unique one! If you are looking to improve your garden and want to go further than a patch of grass with a few flower beds, I'd really recommend getting a design. The investment pays amazing dividends at the end when you have a gorgeous outdoor space that looks amazing.
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You can invest a lot in your garden in time and money and get a...

What's your superpower? We all have special skills that not everyone shares. Mine is the ability to see things in 3D. I think my engineering experience and creativity has been the foundation to my skills. If you struggle to visualise spaces, I can help by modelling in 3D, showing the shadows. For some clients sketches and pictures are better way to get a feel for a space. If you want some help space visualising please get in touch. www.catrionastiles.co.uk #gardendesignideas #gardendesign #gardendesignuk #gardenideas #garden #gardendesignsideas #gardendesigns
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What's your superpower? We all have special skills that not everyone shares. Mine is the...

A bit of a head scratcher design today. This renovated barn has a garden that is split by the car park and drive, the views from the house are of apple orchards and are spectacular. Unfortunately the current garden makes the clients feel very on show (there is no privacy) and the garden feels very small as its really just a way to get from the car park to the house. For this design we are going to incorporate the patios as they are. However I have proposed to the clients to move the garden path. If I had a blank canvas the terraced patio would be different, the main patio is next to the bi-folds so the view is hampered by the dining table. The level below is actually not wide enough to comfortably sit on. The white render draws attention to the wrong part of the garden. By defining the lawn shapes and repeating layered planting the garden, in both options, has a sense of privacy and a cohesive designed look. The clients would not have come up with either of these options and are now considering which one to go to. So if you are faced with a problem garden please get in touch. And if you are thinking of a renovation or an extension getting a garden design can make a huge affect to how your home connects to the garden. I'm currently booking consultations in November if you would like a design slot for 2024. #hernhill #hernhillkent #kent #countrygarden #countrygardens #gardendesign #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas
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A bit of a head scratcher design today. This renovated barn has a garden that...

Love getting pics from a client. These beds are very new and the plants are settling in nicely. The soil is extremely free draining (big change from normally dealing with clay) so they have been very good at watering! Looking forward to planting the rest in October
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Love getting pics from a client. These beds are very new and the plants are...

This design is for a new build house in Challock. There is an existing large patio to the rear which currently make the garden feel small and rectangular. By adding curves, that follow round the corner of the garden, your eye know the garden continues round the side. Planting next to the patio provides interest near to the house and a decked area to the rear creates a destination. Looking forward to seeing this one come to life. #gardendesign #gardendesigner #challock #newbuild #newbuildhome
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This design is for a new build house in Challock. There is an existing large...
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We are just back from our trip to the Netherlands. We had the best day...

Great to get some update photos of this garden in #sheldwich, created last year. @carol.young3282023 is doing a great job looking after it. Late summer interest coming from Agastache, Echinacea, Sedums and Calamagrotis. Looking great… #august #augustgarden #garden #gardeninspiration #gardendesign #kent
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Great to get some update photos of this garden in #sheldwich, created last year. @carol.young3282023...
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Two designs off the boards for this great new build in Dover? Would you choose...

Todays client presentation is for a planting design for a garden in Charing Heath. This is a large sloped border that the clients have asked for help with. There is an area behind the garage which is slightly lost. By creating a bark path and seating area it will bring this area back into the rest of the garden. The brief combines both the clients requirements. One likes formality and structure, hence a small hedge bounding the beds and borders creating all year round shape. The other a more naturalistic, wild look, so as you go towards the right the planting becomes more woodlike and loose. Watch to see this one come into life this autumn.
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Todays client presentation is for a planting design for a garden in Charing Heath. This...

Finally after over 3 years of using engineering blocks as make shift steps we have stones down for our patio… I’m so happy. Thanks to @admirelandscapes (Sam and Jack) for laying these sawn raj green sandstone pavers. Thanks to hubby for doing the sub base. Just the grouting, stepping stones and grass to sort now!
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Finally after over 3 years of using engineering blocks as make shift steps we have...

What makes a great garden? In all honesty beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To me a garden is what that sparks joy to the people who garden and live in it. This is true of big makeover gardens or smaller projects that you want to develop over time at your pace. The important element is to get the design fixed in your mind and then translated onto paper. I have seen gardens where people have brought in a landscaper and spent considerable money (we all work hard right) and could have had a much better result (for the same cost) with a garden design. Garden design could be seen as an artistic, whimsical indulgence but in the same way an architect is so key to a house build a garden design can really uplift a garden. My job, as a designer, is to translate your requirements into a brief, re-imagine your space and create a plan that is practical. If you would like to book a consultation in for October please send me a DM #gardendesign #gardeninspiration #garden #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas #gardendesignsideas #kent
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What makes a great garden? In all honesty beauty is in the eye of the...

Warm days mean beautiful sunsets
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Warm days mean beautiful sunsets

This sloped garden in Gravesend is really coming along. Many thanks to Rob for the work in progress shots. This garden was a bit of a head scratcher but thankfully it looks like its translating into real life well. This garden is a good size but the actual useable area was not that great and meant that the family were really not using the garden. Already by creating some flat areas the entertaining areas already increase the feel of the garden and will add value to the property. I'm looking forward to seeing it when Rob and his team have finished. They are doing a fantastic job. @rngroundworksandlandscaping #gardenlandscaping #gardenlandscaping #gardeninprogress #slopedgarden #garden #gardendesign #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas
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This sloped garden in Gravesend is really coming along. Many thanks to Rob for the...

Great to get some photos of this newly built garden in Chislehurst/ Bromley Kent. The first time I met the clients this was a building site (see the last pic for before) with little in the garden. The garden was overlooked and all the focus was on the boundaries. Curved paths, seating areas and layers of planting have created privacy, interest from all over the garden and great views from inside. To read more please take a look at the post on the website https://www.catrionastiles.co.uk/large-suburban-garden-chislehurst-kent/ I love the shapes in this garden and am enjoying watching it develop. The rest of the planting to follow in the autumn. A great job by all those involved mainly the landscaper @nelsonlandscapes_ porcelain: @arbourlandsol claypavers: @_londonstone plants: @palmstead Provender Nurseries and Howards #chislehurst #bromley #bromley #kent #gardendesign #gardendesigner #gardendesigns #gardendesignideas #gardendesignsideas #gardendesigninspiration #gardenideasuk
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Great to get some photos of this newly built garden in Chislehurst/ Bromley Kent. The...

Late summer means a change in the colour palette in most gardens. The soft pastels of spring and early summer make way for the bold and vibrant. Plant choice is so key for this time of year with oranges, yellows, pinks and purples to select from. This is crocosmia lucifer with its hot red/ orange flowers and tall arching leaves. Whats your favourite flowering plant right now? #August #augustgarden #tropicalflowers #tropicalflowers #hotcolours #hotcolours #gardencolour
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Late summer means a change in the colour palette in most gardens. The soft pastels...
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My front garden after a little tidy. This used to be grass with a few...

Do you have height in your garden? It can be scary to add in elements with height, especially trees. Creating verticals is a really important of my garden design. Trees are brilliant for creating focal points, breaking up spaces and creating levels of planting. There are so many amazing trees (I'm discovering more all the time). There is also a cross over between shrubs that are trained as trees. The right tree in the right place and create structure, provide seasonal interest and a wildlife habitat. They also provide shade and reduce temperatures of their surroundings. You can have stunning bark, changing colour leaves, berries, blossom all this from one tree! Pictured is a Catalpa Bignonioides (Indian Bean Tree) which has large. lush, tropical feel leaves. #gardentrees #gardentrees #treesinthegarden #gardendesign #gardendesigns #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas #kent #kentdowns
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Do you have height in your garden? It can be scary to add in elements...

When you are moving into a new home you are normally faced with a blank canvas of lawn and maybe some patio. It can be overwhelming to know where to start. The beauty of getting a garden design is that we work together to create a set of shapes and planting beds that reflect your style, your needs and the setting of your garden. In this garden in Hernhill layers of planting were create the illusion of the orchard behind being part of the extended garden. A secondary seating area in the corner was positioned to catch the views of the sunset and draw you into the garden. If you would like to book a consultation and see if we can work together email me at <a href=catriona@catrionastiles.co.uk and we can book an appointment (currently from October onwards). #newbuild #newbuildhome #newbuildhouse #newbuildinspo #kent #garden #gardendesigns #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas" loading="lazy">
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When you are moving into a new home you are normally faced with a blank...

Getting plants that flower through the seasons is not just important for our enjoyment of the garden it’s hugely important for pollinators. Now the sun has finally come out they are enjoying the Echinops. It’s definitely not as busy with flying insects in the garden this year so I’m relieved to see these. If you are interested in getting more pollinators in your garden get in touch. I’m booking from October onwards. Perfect for next years garden! #julygarden #julyflowers #pollinatorgarden #gardendesign #kentdownsaonb
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Getting plants that flower through the seasons is not just important for our enjoyment of...

New build homes can have awkward shapes that don't present an obvious solution for a garden design. Its really worth investing in your garden in this situation to create a garden with the wow factor. The right shapes in patio, planting borders and lawns can make a huge difference to the appearance of the garden. Who wouldn't want to wander round the corner in this new garden? If you are thinking of investing in your garden next year get in touch to be on the waiting list for design in the Autumn. You can be ready for landscaping over the winter/spring. 🌿🌸🌱 #gardendesign #gardendesignideas #newbuildhome #newbuildhouse #newbuildgarden
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New build homes can have awkward shapes that don't present an obvious solution for a...

Super excited for a new visitor to the garden. The pond isn’t even finished yet. Nature is amazing!
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Super excited for a new visitor to the garden. The pond isn’t even finished yet....
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Planting time at this glorious garden in Chislehurst/ Bromley. The hard landscaping is near completion...

Amazing big skies at @elmleynature this weekend.
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Amazing big skies at @elmleynature this weekend.
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A revisit to this very personal garden in Hernhill today. For one year on this...

Where are your eyes drawn to when they look at your garden? Focal points can be created with architectural plants, pots or sculptures. When I work with clients we look at the best place to site their often personal garden sculptures and frame them within the planting. Great to look at all through the year. #gardenfocalpoint #gardenfocal #gardeninterest #gardensculpture #kent
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Where are your eyes drawn to when they look at your garden? Focal points can...

Sloping gardens... They can be really tricky to visualise what levels you can create and how to use them. I'm currently collaborating with the owners of this country based garden to create a design that makes the most of the space they have (and hopefully giving the wow factor). The terracing in front of the house creates view points of planting and a meandering journey up to the top level with a cosy patio in between. A large lawn is created on the left hand side for football and a play area beyond. Being able to design this in 3D has been invaluable as it has evolved from the 2D sketches I started with. Watch this space to see how it turns out! #kent #Kent #gardenideas #gardendesign #homeandgarden #homeandgarden #gardenterrace
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Sloping gardens... They can be really tricky to visualise what levels you can create and...

The bulb catalogues have started hitting the door mat. If you are looking to plant this autumn now is the time to order. DM me if you would like a quote.
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The bulb catalogues have started hitting the door mat. If you are looking to plant...
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This concept was finished last week for a new build house in Aylesham. The plot...

Knautia Macedonia blowing in the summer breeze. The flowers are so sculptural before, during and after blooming. You can see why it is known as a pincushion. Eventually I'll let this go to seed to keep the seedheads but for now keep I'll keep deadheading to encourage more flowers. Very therapeutic! #gardenflowers #deadheading #deadheading #knautiamacedonica #knautia
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Knautia Macedonia blowing in the summer breeze. The flowers are so sculptural before, during and...

Looking at your garden and visualising what you want is hard. How do you want it to look? Pinterest is a great place for inspiration. You can start pulling in pictures to start to piece together what style you like. Looking at the space through someone else's fresh eyes can also be very constructive. I can be that pair of eyes! Get in touch to book a garden consultation from September onwards. You can email me at <a href=catriona@catrionastiles.co.uk" loading="lazy">
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Looking at your garden and visualising what you want is hard. How do you want...
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Sharing the latest planting pics for this walled garden in Kent. Planting was kept to...

Who has been to the garden centre and bought a plant as it looks amazing? Then once its been planted in the garden it never seems to thrive or even pegs it…. Guilty as charged! I know I've thought I'm rubbish at gardening as I've pulled a perished stick out of the ground. In reality this was before I considered the factors of the plants environment. Plants are not standalone and you need to consider: soil type, drainage, exposure, when to plant and when its going to be at its best. Once you have found the plants that love your garden situation it is such a pleasure to increase your collection. A little bit of research and experimentation really pays off. Pictured is Salvia Nemorosa Caradonna one of my faves! #plants #garden #plantdesign #gardendesign #gardenideas
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Who has been to the garden centre and bought a plant as it looks amazing?...

Its hard to remember what this garden used to be like! Like a lot of mature gardens the planting was mainly around the perimeter and the seating area was right by the house. Intuitively its easy to assume that large lawns make a garden feel bigger. Without anything to rest the eye on the focus takes you right to the walls. With planting layers and destination in the garden it now feels like a large garden to be enjoyed from different aspects. The planting at the near, middle and foreground creates views to enjoy from all parts of the garden. plants by @howgreennursery photos by @deborahhartphotos garden being looked after brilliantly by @carol.young3282023 #sheldwich #countrygarden #walledgarden #homeandgarden #homeandgarden #gardenideas #gardendesign #gardendesigner #gardendesigneruk #kent #kentdowns #kentdownsaonb
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Its hard to remember what this garden used to be like! Like a lot of...

Last week while the sun shone I revisited a couple of gardens. This garden in Charing Heath was created from a blank canvas garden that accompanied this new build home. The owners have loved entertaining in it and get great comments when people see the garden for the first time. Julie and Bob have loved looking after their garden and I'm glad to report that Julie has picked up my love of architectural plants. Her T-Rex is absolutely romping away. If you are thinking of changing up your garden next year its worth getting in touch now. I'm currently booking from September and landscapers get booked quickly too. Photos by @deborahhartphotos Plants from @palmstead @provendernurseries #houseandgarden #Garden #yourgardenmadeperfect #familygarden #moderngarden #loveyourgarden #gardendesign #gardendesigner #gardendesignideas #kent #kentdownsaonb
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Last week while the sun shone I revisited a couple of gardens. This garden in...
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The latest video from a garden that I designed remotely for a lovely family in...

Amazing show at Murrayfield last night. Our third time of seeing Taylor Swift this one was epic. Just got to try and get home now!
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Amazing show at Murrayfield last night. Our third time of seeing Taylor Swift this one...

I’m a big fan of garden mirrors to break up a big expanse of wall or fence. Softened by climbers they become windows reflecting sky and garden. In this walled garden the wall dominated the view from the house. Now with repeated mirrors and planting the wall is a stunning feature but not the focal point. #sheldwich #gardenmirror #walledgarden #cottagegarden #gardendesign #kent
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I’m a big fan of garden mirrors to break up a big expanse of wall...
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Site visit to this garden being built in Chislehurst. Loving the paths taking you round...

A bee perfectly executing pollination in a Phlomis flower. Amazing how nature has evolved. Love this plant for its seedheads and foliage as much as its flower.
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A bee perfectly executing pollination in a Phlomis flower. Amazing how nature has evolved. Love...
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Salvia Officianilis or Sage. Such a lovely plant and buzzing with insects. This was grown...

Garden consultation in Sutton Valance today. Planning a shady, cosy corner to set off the owners acers. One more consultation on Friday and I’ll be shutting my books until September. Lots of great projects this year.
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Garden consultation in Sutton Valance today. Planning a shady, cosy corner to set off the...

Happy Weekend all!
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Happy Weekend all!

A picture of the newly planted Arbutus Unedo shared by my client in the evening sun. Love this specimen tree and the dappled light shining through. Great tree from @provendernurseries Planting (kudos) @nelsonlandscapes_ #springgarden #chislehurst #gardentree #arbutus #dappledlight #curvypaths
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A picture of the newly planted Arbutus Unedo shared by my client in the evening...

New Concept off the board today. This is a garden in #hernebay which we are going to makeover. The existing patio is to be retained and improved with a Pergola, outdoor rugs and firepit. The fencing (and posts) will be painted dark to allow the planting to take the front of stage. The lawn has been shaped to allow curved beds. The planting has been selected for foliage and orange/ purple colouring, to give a tropical feel. It should be a great place for entertaining! #gardendesign #gardendesignuk #gardendesigner
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New Concept off the board today. This is a garden in #hernebay which we are...
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The joy of being in Kent - a day trip to France! The beaches are...

@muddy_kent Have a spring trends featuring little old my ideas. It seems apt on this wet spring day that is about water! To read the article have a look at https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/living/interiors/spring-home-trends-according-to-kent-interior-experts/ #springgarden #springgardens #springgardendays #rain #raining #rainagain #kent #kent
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@muddy_kent Have a spring trends featuring little old my ideas. It seems apt on this...

A new project on board. Getting my creative thinking cap on for this sloped garden in Newnham #kent Lots of ideas to provide the entertaining space for this family
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A new project on board. Getting my creative thinking cap on for this sloped garden...

I always forget how long it takes to get planting to come together. In reality it’s ever evolving. Even without any editing growth changes depending on lots of variables. This bed is 2/3 years in and I’m starting to appreciate how it’s settling in.
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I always forget how long it takes to get planting to come together. In reality...

Talking about having cosy nooks with views in the garden on my latest blog post. Do you have a seating area that feels secure? Can you relax in your garden? https://www.catrionastiles.co.uk/feeling-snug-and-secure-in-your-garden/
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Talking about having cosy nooks with views in the garden on my latest blog post....

Getting some inspiration yesterday with an impromptu visit to a garden my friend maintains in the Cotswolds. Lots of amazing shaping of trees and shrubs (especially this Hornbeam). The sculptural pot is actually made from slate put together with dry stone wall techniques. Loving the reflective ponds with black dye too. #gardeninspiration #gardenvisit #cotswolds
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Getting some inspiration yesterday with an impromptu visit to a garden my friend maintains in...

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