About me

I am an award-winning garden designer based in Bromley, with over 18 years’ experience in the horticultural industry. My work is grounded in a strong understanding of plants and a design ethos that values practicality, sustainability, and seasonality.

In 2022, I exhibited a show garden at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, receiving a Silver Gilt medal and the award for Best Construction in Category. I've also collaborated with several leading designers, gaining a wide range of experience across residential and show garden projects.

I offer a bespoke, client-focused design service, including tailored planting advice and long-term garden care strategies. As an SGD Pre-Registered Designer, I’m committed to the highest standards of professionalism and creativity.

All designs are produced using Vectorworks Landmark, allowing for clear, accurate plans and seamless collaboration with clients, landscapers, and contractors.

Whether you're looking to transform a private garden or enhance an existing space, I create thoughtful, lasting landscapes that reflect both the site and the people who use it.

A magical visit to @wakehurst_kew with @taradaltongardendesign - an enchanting wander around their Christmas trail. Thank you Tara!

On the board today is a native-heavy planting plan (the question of what is technically native is a whole other subject) in East Sussex. Planting plans are my favourite part of the job - the moment everything comes to life on paper before it transforms the garden. This is where the colours, textures and seasonal interest all come together to create a space that feels personal, balanced and beautiful all year round.

If you’re thinking about refreshing your garden or starting from scratch, now is the perfect time to plan ahead. Spring always arrives faster than anticipated!
#gardendesign
#plantingplans
#kentgardens
#sussexgardens

This is your annual reminder to step away from the secateurs, you shouldn’t be deadheading hydrangeas at this time of year (they do look rather good in a Christmas wreath though). The faded flower heads are actually protecting the buds beneath from frost. Removing them too early can expose new growth to cold damage, leaving you with fewer blooms next summer. Leave the flowers until early spring, then cut back to just above healthy, swelling buds.
#gardeningtips
#wintergardening

Some days the weather tests you… and today was one of them.
With soggy plans and steamed up specs, the plants are finally set out in our #Wadhurst garden.

#SussexGardenDesigner
#KentGardenDesigner
#GardenDesign
#PlantingDesign
#NewBuildGardenDesign

Every garden designer has their own set of go-to plants — the ones they reach for because they always deliver. And for me, Hakonechloas are right up there.

There’s something magical about the way they move: that soft, cascading habit that catches the light and spills beautifully over edges. They add instant softness and texture without ever overwhelming a scheme and combined with the seasonal shifts — fresh greens in spring, full billows in summer, and warm golden tones in autumn - rightly make this a popular choice. A quiet hero in any garden.
#hakonechloa #japaneseforestgrass #plantlove #gardendesign #plantingdesign #texturalplanting #shadegarden #designdetails

Quite literally the best thing you can do with the interminable leaves at the moment? Rake them onto the lawn and run over them with the mower on a high cut.

I leave the leaves in situ on the beds — they break down beautifully and feed the soil — but lawns and paths get the mower treatment. It shreds the leaves into a perfect mulch, speeds up decomposition, and keeps everything looking tidy without wasting a single bit of goodness.

A quick pass with the mower = free mulch, healthier soil, and far fewer trips to the compost heap.

Happy Friday!

#GardenTips #GardeningHacks #GardenAdvice #AutumnGardening #GardenDesign #GardenDesigner #Horticulture #PlantKnowledge

Love this outdoor socket we put in our #tunbridgewells project yesterday - so much more refined than the chunky black plastic ones we’re used to. It’s a small detail but, as we all know, the devil is in the detail. It’s from @thesoholightingco and I’m slightly obsessed

On site at first light today with @katsuragardensuk to make sure our two statement Pyrus salicifolia arrived safely and were planted just so. With those in, we officially wrapped up the planting for this Tunbridge Wells project—along with what feels like eleventy billion bulbs. A big morning and a very satisfying milestone.

#gardendesigner
#gardenconstruction
#plantingscheme
#plantingdesign
#landscapedesign
#gardendesignkent
#pyrussalicifolia
#ornamentaltrees

The best way to beat the cold is to keep moving! Today was a busy day on site setting out and planting two van loads of plants from @howgreennursery the perfect excuse to stay warm while bringing the first phase of this garden to life.

Layers on, tools ready, plants prepped and suddenly the cold doesn’t feel quite so cold.

#gardendesign #plantingday #gardendesignerlife #plantingplan

The weather has finally shifted from mild and soggy to cold and bright, which means it’s officially bulb-planting time. These crisp days create the ideal conditions for strong root growth and spectacular blooms come spring.

#gardendesign #gardenexpert #plantingdesign #plantingdesigner #gardenstyle #gardendesigneruk #horticulture #plantsmanship #designledgardens

One of the things I love most about my job is the sheer variety. Some days I’m tucked behind the computer, crafting designs in Vectorworks and shaping spaces on screen… and other days I’m out in the mud, hands deep in soil, surrounded by the plants that bring those drawings to life.

I feel incredibly lucky to do work that balances creativity with nature — turning ideas into living, breathing gardens. No two gardens are alike. Each arrives with its own challenges and quirks, and I embrace them all — that’s where the creativity really begins.
#GardenDesigner
#PlantingDesign
#LandscapeDesign
#GardenRenovation
#GardenTransformation
#GardenInspiration
#OutdoorLiving
#BromleyGardenDesign
#chislehurstgardendesign
#KentGardenDesign

Photo credit @taradaltongardendesign

Exciting to be breaking ground on a new build project in #Wadhurst. We always love the opportunity to create a garden from the ground up. The weather’s proving challenging, but we’re aiming to have this one complete before Christmas. We’re at the ‘it’s going to look worse before it looks better’ stage.

#GardenDesign #GardenDesigner #NewBuildGarden #NewBuildDesign #BespokeGardens #OutdoorLiving #LuxuryGardens #DesignLedGardens #ModernGardenDesign #ContemporaryGarden #GardenTransformation #BeautifulGardens #GardenGoals #GardenInspiration #Wadhurst #TunbridgeWells #SussexGardens #KentGardens #SouthEastGardens #UKGardenDesign #gardenbuild #WinterGardenProject

Back doing some maintenance and it’s hard to believe this garden in #chislehurst was only planted not even six months ago

It’s still looking fantastic in early November — the structure and texture are really coming into their own, and the planting has knitted together beautifully. The backbone of evergreens and late-season perennials is giving it such great presence, even as the year turns. Still too mild (here) to be planting bulbs as we haven’t had any significant frosts yet.

#gardendesign #plantingdesign #autumngarden #gardensofinstagram #plantsmakepeoplehappy #gardendesigner #bromleygardendesign #collaboration

There’s something magical about the way @sussexprairies holds its beauty through the seasons - especially now when texture and tone take centre stage.

You can feel the influence of Piet Oudolf everywhere; the rhythm of seedheads, the movement of grasses, the quiet confidence of plants allowed to stand and fade naturally. It demonstrates how structure, light and life continue long after summer has gone.

This is what a true autumn garden looks like - immersive, textural and full of soul, a reminder that a garden’s story doesn’t end in September; it just changes tempo.

Two new plants caught my eye - Cephalanthus occidentalis (one of the few shrubs they’ve planted) and the grass Panicum ‘Frosted Explosion’ which looks like it has little drops of dew in it.
#sussexprairies #pietoudolf #autumngardens #naturalisticplanting #seedheads #plantingdesign

I spent a wonderful afternoon wandering through the incredible drifts of planting at Sussex Prairies Garden yesterday for their last open day of the year. It’s such an inspiring place — a masterclass in texture, movement and late-season colour. The combinations of grasses and perennials are as uplifting as ever, even in October light. A full post with more photos and reflections to follow soon.

#SussexPrairies #PlantingDesign #GardenDesign #NaturalisticPlanting #AutumnGardens #GardenInspiration

Out and about in #Shoreham yesterday I came across this beautiful specimen of Rhus typhina. It is absolutely a standout for autumn colour with brilliant shades of orange, red and gold that can transform a garden in October. Its architectural form adds year-round interest, especially when grown as a specimen or trained in a controlled space.

However, it is important to note that Rhus typhina is a vigorous sucker. Left unchecked, it can spread rapidly, forming dense clonal thickets that may outcompete neighbouring plants. Careful siting and regular maintenance are essential if you choose to include it in a border or mixed planting.

Rhus is ideal for large gardens, specimen planting, autumn interest but it is absolutely not suited to small, low-maintenance spaces. It is an elegant tree with dramatic seasonal colour — but one that requires respect and management.

#RhusTyphina #GardenDesign #AutumnColour #PlantAdvice #StagsHornSumach #PlantCare #GardenDesignerKent

The site clearance has begun and it is wonderful to see this community project finally taking shape. I’ve had the pleasure of designing a second garden for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, this time a garden in their Hitchin Fire Station. I hope the space will give crews, volunteers and visitors a calm, green space full of biodiversity to enjoy between call-outs. We are still looking for local support and donations to help bring the design to life - every contribution helps! If you’d like to be involved or can offer help please get in touch with @hitchinfire1
#communitygarden #gardendesign #firestation #greenspaces #hitchinbusiness #hitchingram #hitchinsmallbusiness #hertfordshirebusiness

Always my favourite stage of a project — setting out the plants. Today’s planting in #Tunbridgewells includes a mix of grasses and silver leafed perennials to bring movement and softness to the hard landscaping. The paths and trees are still to come. After a bit of fine-tuning to get the balance just right — rhythm, contrast and flow through the borders — the brilliant team at @katsuragardensuk are doing the planting.

#SettingOutDay #PlantingDay #BehindTheDesign #DesignProcess #GardenDesignLife #PlantingScheme #LandscapeDesign #softlandscaping

Mulberry trees first arrived in Britain in the early 1600s — not for their fruit, but for silk.

In 1608, King James I ordered thousands to be planted, hoping to kickstart a British silk industry. Sadly, he chose black mulberries (Morus nigra) instead of the white species that silkworms actually eat.

The silk dream failed, but the trees lived on. Many still thrive in old estates and gardens — like this one at Beckenham Place Park, thought to have been planted by the Cator family in the late 18th century.

I love how gnarled and full of character its trunk is — such a beautiful reminder of how history lingers quietly in the landscape.

#GardenHistory #MulberryTree #BeckenhamPlacePark #HistoricGardens #PlantsWithAStory

Lovely to be back at @taradaltongardendesign working on her latest project. Her garden is gorgeous!

Anemone ‘September Charm’ is earning her keep this morning — soft pink flowers that catch the low autumn light beautifully. A wonderful choice for adding late-season colour and movement to a border.

@beckenhamplace is a beautiful reminder of how planting design can shape a space through the seasons.

The coppery oaks, golden grasses and fading perennials bring such richness to the autumn landscape — proof that with the right structure and layers, a garden can feel alive and interesting all year round.

Designing for seasonal change is one of the most rewarding parts of my work — ensuring each moment in the garden has its own sense of atmosphere and beauty.
#BeckenhamPlacePark #AutumnColour #SeasonalPlanting #PlantingDesign
#GardenDesign #LondonGardens #LandscapeDesign #OutdoorLiving
#DesignInNature #GardenDesigner #AutumnInspiration #BespokeGardens

A morning well spent at Creepers Nursery exploring their incredible specimen trees and shrubs. Always inspiring to see plants of this quality - the perfect building blocks for creating strong structure and year-round interest in the garden
#creepersnursery #specimenplants #gardendesign #plantingdesign

New build gardens often start with a blank canvas – but even when a design is complete, the garden itself is never truly finished.

This garden, completed in June, has already started to settle in beautifully. We revisited the planting on Friday to check on establishment, make a few seasonal adjustments, and ensure the scheme continues to thrive.

With new builds especially, the soil and site conditions can present unique challenges – from poor-quality topsoil to exposure and drainage issues. That’s why thoughtful planting and follow-up care make all the difference.

The result? A garden that not only softens the hard edges of a new build but also matures into a welcoming, characterful space that feels like home.

#NewBuildGarden #NewBuildHomes #GardenDesign #GardenPlanting #LandscapeDesign #PlantingScheme #GardenInspiration #OutdoorLiving
#HomeAndGarden #GardenLovers #GardenGoals #PlantLovers #GardenCare #GreenSpaces #PlantingTips #GardenStyle #sussexgardendesign #kentgardendesign

Few things can dominate a garden more than a neighbour’s towering Leylandii hedge. Dense, fast-growing and often overbearing, it can leave you feeling overshadowed. But there are ways to cope:

Light management – If the hedge blocks sunlight, focus on shade-loving plants like ferns, hostas, or hellebores to make the most of the conditions.

Create your own green screen – Plant a row of climbers (like clematis or evergreen jasmine) on trellis panels in front. This softens the view and puts your planting in focus.

Play with contrast – Bright foliage plants (such as Hakeonechloa or Euohorbia) can lift a dark backdrop and add vibrancy.

Know your rights – In the UK, the High Hedges Act may apply if a Leylandii hedge is over 2m tall and affecting your enjoyment of the garden. Mediation is often the first step before formal action.

Remember, while you can’t control your neighbour’s planting, you can design your way around it and create a garden you love.

Need some help? Get in touch for advice on practical solutions.

#gardendesigner #gardendesignbromley #chislehurstgardens #gardensofinstagram #gardensolutions

Today marks the equinox - the moment when day and night stand in perfect balance. This year it feels especially poignant as we step into what promises the first true autumn we’ve had in a few years. There were even reports of a frost last night. After so many seasons where summer blurs straight into winter, there’s a sense of joy watching the evenings draw in gently and the garden settle into its softer rhythm. Here’s to drop mornings, golden light and the beauty of transition. Photo taken at @beckenhamplacepark this weekend.

Every garden starts with a conversation, a brief, and a vision.

In this project, the brief was clear: a welcoming, versatile garden that balances structure with softness — a space for both people and nature.

The transformation of a garden often looks worse before it looks better.

But as with every project, there’s a stage where it feels like chaos — soil turned over, hard landscaping underway, plants waiting in pots. It can be hard to picture the finished space in that moment.

It’s always worth the wait.

Photos: @helen.mulvaney
Collab: @guthrieandkirkwood

#GardenDesign #GardenTransformation #BeforeAndAfter #DreamGarden
#PlantingDesign #WildlifeGarden #OutdoorLivingIdeas #BespokeGardens
#LondonGardens #chislehurstgardendesign #KentGardens

Have you noticed an excess of acorns this year? Working outside yesterday felt a little hazardous — acorns were falling like missiles in the wind. This is because we are experiencing a mast year: when oak trees produce an unusually heavy crop of acorns. It doesn’t happen every year, but every so often (roughly every 5–10 years) the trees synchronise, creating a feast for wildlife and giving some seeds a chance to grow into future oaks.

Whilst this might feel like excess littering to some, It’s fascinating to see nature’s cycles at work.

The planting is really starting to settle in beautifully, and it’s such a joy to see the garden thriving already.

The project is very nearly finished, but even at this stage it’s wonderful to watch the design come to life. Excited to see how it develops over the coming weeks!

Garden transformation revealed!

This remarkable transformation in #chislehurst is more than just a garden makeover - it’s a complete reinvention of outdoor living blending beauty, functionality and timeless design to create a space that will be enjoyed for years to come
@guthrieandkirkwood
@purdomsbespokefurniture
@salters_ltd
@arbourlandsol
@mena_woodwork
@howgreennursery
@provendernurseries
📸 @helen.mulvaney

#gardensofinstagram #gardendesign #plantingdesign #outdoorliving #chislehurstlife #gardendesigner #collaboration

Site survey taken today at my next Fire Station project. A trickier site to navigate, but hopefully one that the community will love

After a difficult summer contending with prolonged drought and hosepipe bans, visiting this garden seemed pertinent. Fully drought resistant, growing in minimal soil on a shingle peninsula, the garden consists of Valerian, Fennel, Santolina, Crambe, Ulex, Helichrysum and Buckthorn. It’s a garden of sorts punctuated by driftwood and rusting metal. There are no boundaries here. There aren’t even any seagulls. It’s very eerie. But you can’t go to Dungeness and not stop by Derek Jarman’s Prospect Cottage.

Absolutely chuffed to bits to have visited Balmoral Cottage and experienced the incredible garden of Charlotte Molesworth.

Started over 40 years ago from cuttings gifted by friends and family, this space has grown into a breathtaking showcase of living art. The topiary alone is awe-inspiring – sculptural, characterful, and utterly photogenic – but what really struck me were the layers of perennials weaving colour and texture beneath, all set against a backdrop of majestic specimen trees. A masterclass in how a garden can evolve over time with care, vision, and love.

#GardenDesign #PlantingDesign #PerennialPlanting #GardenInspiration #GardenVisit #EnglishGarden #GardenLayers #PlantingInspiration #LivingArt #GardenStyle #LandscapeDesign #DesignWithPlants #GardenDetails #GardenGoals #GreenInspiration #GardenArt

Happiness is refurbished and newly sharpened @niwaki.hq secateurs. Glad to have them home, I’ve missed them

Rosa ‘Emily Brontë’ looking absolutely gorgeous in our #chislehurst garden. The planting was done in June and is absolutely thriving thanks to the irrigation system.
#chislehurstgardendesign #rightplantrightplace

Today’s site visit in #Battle I’m going to have to add carp wrestler to my CV

Early morning visit to @provendernurseries buying plants and soil for statement pots. Looks like it’s going to be scorchio again

I’m so lucky to live with this on my doorstep @beckenhamplacepark a much needed break from the computer yesterday afternoon. Back on it today!

Not really one for sowing seeds, but I did sow these seeds from @gardens_illustrated earlier this year. The seed packets are so pretty!

A pretty miserable day to be planting—but at least we don’t need to water anything in! Silver linings…

Always a satisfying moment seeing the garden come together as the trees, shrubs, and perennials go into the ground. Despite the weather, it’s a joy to watch the design take shape and come to life.

Huge thanks to @katsuragardensuk who ploughed on with enthusiasm in spite of the rain
#teamwork #PlantingDay #GardenDesign #TunbridgeWellsGarden #BespokePlanting #GardenInProgress #GardenTransformation

One of my absolute favourites, Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’. Why do I love it? It’s architectural but soft. Bold, yet elegant. Perfect for a focal point in a smaller space or to add contrast in a layered planting scheme. And let’s not forget the heart shaped leaves - rich burgundy in spring, catching the light like stained glass, and shifting through dusky purples to fiery autumn tones. A tree with presence, personality, and year-round beauty.
#CercisCanadensis #GardenDesign #PlantingDesign #GardenInspiration #FoliageFirst

I’m genuinely surprised to see how well some of the blue mophead hydrangeas are holding up in this heat. They’re known for wilting dramatically at the first sign of dryness, but despite the lack of rain, they’re still looking good.

With hosepipe bans already in place in Yorkshire and now in Kent and Sussex too, it’s likely only a matter of time before Thameswater follows suit. It is important to prioritise your watering efforts. Focus on newly planted shrubs, containers and vulnerable borders - established plants are surprisingly resilient and can manage without regular watering.

Early morning or late evening is the ideal time to water, however if a plant is clearly struggling in the middle of the day, don’t be afraid to give it a drink - despite popular myths, watering in the heat won’t scorch the leaves.

With a little care and a mindful approach, your garden can continue to thrive during a hosepipe ban - and these small changes might even lead to more sustainable gardening habits in the future.
#hosepipeban #droughtgardening #rightplantrightplace #sustainableplantingdesign

Bridging the summer gap: a beautiful evening spent at Gravetye Manor reminded me how vital it is to plan for that difficult moment in the garden — when early summer energy fades, but late-season highlights haven’t yet arrived. The borders were still full of life and movement, thanks to combinations like:

• Cosmos – light, airy colour throughout
• Dierama – graceful arching stems that catch the breeze
• Daylilies – reliable midsummer colour
• Stipa gigantea – structural, golden, always dramatic
• Thalictrum – soft clouds of white
• Lupins – adding rhythm and height
• Ammi – delicate froth to soften bolder shapes
• Gladioli – for a hit of vertical drama

It’s a perfect example of succession planting done well — making sure there’s no lull, just a smooth transition from one season to the next.

If you’re looking to keep your garden vibrant through high summer, now’s the time to review what’s working — and where a few smart additions could extend the season beautifully.

#SummerGardens #GardenDesign #SuccessionPlanting #GravetyeManor #PerennialBorders #SeasonalInterest #plantingdesign

In 2023 I answered a plea from Stevenage Fire Station. They needed more than a patch of grass - they needed a place to rest, reflect and recharge after intense shifts. I designed them a calm, welcoming garden just for them. The grand opening was last summer and now, one year on, it’s thriving - lovingly cared for by the firefighters themselves. And now I’m thrilled to be designing a second garden - this time for Hitchin Fire Station. Because our first responders need somewhere to breathe.
#gardendesign #theraputicgarden #communitygarden #firefighterwellbeing #outdoorsanctuary

Early morning light dancing across the new herringbone path in #chislehurst — shadows stretch and flicker as the garden slowly wakes. There’s something quietly magical about these first moments of the day.
Pavers from @arbourlandsol laid expertly by @salters_ltd
#MorningLight #HerringbonePath #GardenDesign

The back garden of our #chislehurst project is coming to life with planting complete, irrigation in place and garden lighting ready to shine. Every element working together to create a space that’s beautiful, low-maintenance and useable day to night. Just one last push to get the front garden looking as good as the back!
#chislehurstgardendesign #gardendesignerkent #rightplantrightplace #moderngardendesign

Huge shoutout to the incredible landscaping team working in 30°c heat and still delivering absolute precision and craftsmanship. This kind of dedication is impressive and I’m grateful to be working with such professionals!
#landscapers #gardendesign #hardlandscapingheroes #teameffort #gardenbuild #sweatysiteboots

A midsummer showstopper with notes of melon and spice, sculptural, and utterly captivating — Calycanthus ‘Aphrodite’ earns her name. I often include her in planting schemes where clients want something a little unexpected: richly-scented, architectural, and perfectly suited to mixed borders or as a standalone feature near seating areas. She’s a talking point in every garden she graces.

A day spent back in #wadhurst tweaking the planting of this recently finished @dewlandsgardendesign garden. Everything is looking good in spite of the heat wave, and these Penstemons seem particularly happy
#gardendesign #plantingdesign #onemonthold #gardendesigneastsussex

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UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Gertrude Jekyll

About me

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UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Gertrude Jekyll

About me

​

Follow us on Instagram

Contact