Creating atmospheric, aesthetically nourishing spaces and habitats, which are more inviting for my clients and wildlife, is what motivates me.

I have been gardening professionally since 1997 and although I am designing more these days, I still like to be physically involved in the editing, planting and aftercare of our new projects, so that we can make changes and add more layers over time.

I don’t use the word “maintenance”, because it denigrates the art of gardening and is better suited to caring for a machine - not a multilayered, ever changing, living painting.

I often have my best ideas whilst gardening or doing design drawings on my iPad outdoors - spending time in the space allows me to experience the different light, shade and seasonal changes.

I love it when clients want to garden with us, so that we can show them the desirable seedling - selective weeding allows the gardens to become more naturalistic and spontaneous.

I want to make more meadows and gravel gardens, because they require less gardening, but have a higher density of flowers - if we start by creating an infertile and a weed-free substrate the desirable plants are able to seed around freely.

I am also keen for every garden to have a pond or at least a birdbath, plus comfy seating - so that you are inclined to linger longer.