I have been working in gardens since 1996, so my design approach is very pragmatic.

Garden making is a process, so I Iove to stay involved - adding new perching places, ponds and other habitats over time.

Once we have agreed the initial design, I work with your architect and builders or recommend contractors for any hardscaping/groundworks.

I then source the plants and lay them out intuitively, but can create visuals, planting plans and mood boards if the budget allows.

I tend to propose meadows and gravel gardens over traditional flower beds, for their higher density of flowers, life and drama with less work and water.

This “wild” style still requires ongoing gardening to keep the planting dynamic, so I have a few gardeners who help me and love it when clients want to garden with us.

As gardeners we can be ecosystem engineers and artists, so I call it “gardening”, not “garden maintenance”, which devalues the creative craft; a process of editing and making, not “maintaining” something static.

It is so exciting that gardens can be ever-changing “living art”, increasing biodiversity and biophilia, not just aesthetic nourishment.

Holding water helps wildlife and makes us pause to ponder, so I want everyone to have ponds or at least a birdbath.

Plus limiting hard surfaces to meandering pathways and secluded seating areas, surrounded by immersive planting, that invites you to linger and observe the returning life.

I’m very grateful to receive all my work through “word of mouth”, but maybe do need to be more proactive in finding local work in the West.

We are renting a cottage on a farm, that we call “Chooksbury” near Tewkesbury, thanks to our lockdown hens.

I still go to London every other week and am happy to travel for interesting projects; especially if your garden is beside a surfing beach!