Portfolio

Recent Projects

Making the most of the length of the garden

New Build Garden Design, New Romney, Kent

Garden Design Chislehurst Kent

Large Suburban Garden Design, Chislehurst Kent

New Build Home Garden

New Home Contemporary Garden Transformation

Walled Garden

Walled Country Garden Transformation

Country Garden Design Hernhill Kent

New Build Country Garden

New Build Garden

New Build Home Contemporary garden

Merry Christmas to my clients and everyone in this great industry making it happen. It’s been a fab year with lots of gardens been made and lots more planned for 2025.
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Merry Christmas to my clients and everyone in this great industry making it happen. It’s...

When you have a sloping garden the actual useful space can be really limited. The clients of this garden ended up not using their garden and found the grass cutting on a slope hard work. This design has given them a great entertaining space, kids play area and reason to get out and use their lovely garden. Love the gabions which are the bones to create levels. Im looking forward to getting some photos of it in the spring when the plants have settled in. Swipe left to see the before. Amazing job by @rngroundworksandlandscaping #gardendesign #garden #gravesend #slopedgarden
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When you have a sloping garden the actual useful space can be really limited. The...

A flash back to 2017. Holding it together on the surface just. 3 kids under three. Not sure what the future held for work. Not sure when I was ever going to sleep for more than 4hours at a time. This is when Garden Design came into my mind. Any parent who is up in the wee hours will tell you that these can be dark mentally as well as literally. To keep my brain from being frazzled I would walk through gardens and imagine how they could look. During the day getting out in the garden, even if it was too hang out washing, was that connection to nature to try and bring calm in. Remembering that we fundamentally need to be outside is something I find harder at this time of year. If you get the chance to be outside do take it (this is a good reminder for me too). #getoutside #getoutsideandexplore #winterblues
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A flash back to 2017. Holding it together on the surface just. 3 kids under...

Are you nervous about upgrading your garden? It's very understandable to feel overwhelmed with where to start, how to get a vision and what the process is. The garden design and landscaping world can seem sometimes aloof and unapproachable. Getting a garden designer, who understands you and your needs, will give you re-assurance during the process and get you the garden you want. If you would like to have a chat to see if I can help alleviate your fears, send me an email to <a href=catriona@catrionastiles.co.uk I look forward to collaborating with you on your design in 2025. #gardendesign #gardendesignuk #gardendesigner #gardendesignideas #kent #kentdowns" loading="lazy">
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Are you nervous about upgrading your garden? It's very understandable to feel overwhelmed with where...
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I’m working on a planting design for some clients in Yorkshire. The bones of the...
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This is my latest concept design, ready for client feedback. This design changes a garden...

My latest review has come in for a garden that has recently been completed in a town garden in Faversham. We took the bones of what was already in this garden and transformed it into more of Mediterranean feel idyll. By repeating the arch the clients already had and changing the colour the structures work with the garden style. The garden felt long and thin but by creating curves in and out the garden now feels more interesting and there are places to stop to enjoy the garden. The client had a lot of plants already so these were temporarily potted up and then replanted into the new garden, splitting some to get some more. There was an absence of height in the garden so with new structural trees and shrubs there is natural elements at all heights. Scroll to see the before picture. I can't wait to get some better pictures in the spring and see how it develops. Landscaping carried out by @hythegardenlandscapes #faversham #gardendesign #favershamkent #greatclient #reviews #gardens #gardendesignuk #gardenproject #customerreview #customerfeedback #customersatisfaction
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My latest review has come in for a garden that has recently been completed in...
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Mum and daughter art exhibition visit of Michael Craig Martin @royalacademyarts Agnes loved the art...

Do you have a sloping garden? These are tricky to visualise, especially with 2D drawings. For complex spaces I recommend a topographical survey which then gives me all the ground points of the current garden. I can then see where levels need to come up or down. There is still always an element of seeing where the ground finishes once landscaping is complete. Between my design and collaboration with a professional landscaper you will have a garden that makes the most of the complex slopes you have.
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Do you have a sloping garden? These are tricky to visualise, especially with 2D drawings....

When you look at your garden where is your eye drawn? Is it the shed, fence, a wall?.... Without a journey for your eyes you might be looking at the most uninspiring parts of your garden. Part of good garden design is to provide resting points for your eye. These are focal points. They could be statement plants, sculpture, trees, structures... My design methods incorporate this so you don't have to worry where to place them. If you are looking to evolve your garden in 2025 get in touch to book a consultation. www.catrionastiles.co.uk
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When you look at your garden where is your eye drawn? Is it the shed,...

Always wonderful to get positive feedback on my design work. This town garden in Faversham is being lovingly transformed into a great family garden. Great to help some lovely clients on their garden evolution. #faversham #favershamkent #greatclient #gardendesign #reviews #kent
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Always wonderful to get positive feedback on my design work. This town garden in Faversham...

I always design focal points in the garden. More often than not these are sculptural trees and shrubs. This is one of my favourite trees, Arbutus Unedo or the Strawberry Tree. Its evergreen, has a great bark and produces these strawberry looking fruits at the same time as flowering. What's not to love? If you need some help selecting focal point trees or shrubs get in touch to find out more about my plant sourcing service. #gardentrees #kent #bromley #tree
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I always design focal points in the garden. More often than not these are sculptural...
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Novembers architectural vibes in the garden

A large lawn flanked with borders can feel daunting to change. There is a very common misconception that large lawns make gardens feel larger but I feel that they miss the joy of interest, journeys and discovery in having a garden. Carving up your lawn with paths and planting can transform the feeling of your outside space. If you are not sure how to go about it we can collaborate, to give you a design that you can work with. Having 3D designs can help you visualise how the garden will look. I offer clients support to work with them through their garden change. If you would like to book a design for 2025 get in touch. #gardenlawns #gardens #gardenstyle #gardeninspiration #kentdowns #kentdownsaonb #gardenideas #gardendesign #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas #kent
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A large lawn flanked with borders can feel daunting to change. There is a very...

How much does it cost to create a garden? This is an ever changing answer! I've written an article on what factors influence the costs in the garden and give you some rough guidelines so that when you do come to get contractors in, to work on your garden, you know what to expect. #kent #garden #gardenideas #gardendesign #gardenproject
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How much does it cost to create a garden? This is an ever changing answer!...

Are you a little afraid of how much time a garden could take to maintain? All gardens require maintenance, if you have a garden design or not. How much maintenance you do can really depend on what you expect a garden to look like. The higher expectations the greater the time needed. I love naturalistic planting which is set against sleek hard landscaping. As long there is structure the "messiness" of plants looks beautiful. #gardendesigninspiration #gardendesign #naturalisticgarden #naturalisticplanting #naturalisticgardens #naturalisticplanting #naturalisticplantingdesign #gardendesignerkent #gardendesigner #gardeninspiration #gardenbeds
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Are you a little afraid of how much time a garden could take to maintain?...

The previous occupiers of this home clearly spent some time and money on the hard landscaping on this garden. A good demonstration of how a large patio and wall right next to your house do not a garden make. If you are investing in a garden, landscapers will build you whatever you like. It may or may not work. Don't take the gamble with your hard earned cash. A design means that you know what you are going to end up with and how it will work with your home. Its much easier to change a patio on the design board than in your garden. My lovely client is happy for my vision to bring planting nearer the house, removing the horizontal lines of the wall (which is right across the view), creating planting borders and framing the view. Watch this space to see what I come up with. Get in touch if you would like to secure a design spot in 2025. www.catrionastiles.co.uk #garden #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas #gardendesign #paving #canterburykent #canterbury
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The previous occupiers of this home clearly spent some time and money on the hard...

Still deadheading Cosmos in November. These have been brilliant at filling a gap. Once the frost has got them they will be heading to the compost. Easy annuals like these are great to fill gaps while you are waiting for other perennials and shrubs to fill up their space. You can even save the seed to grow more the following year. #cosmos #annuals #autumngarden
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Still deadheading Cosmos in November. These have been brilliant at filling a gap. Once the...

Happy Halloween 🎃
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Happy Halloween 🎃
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The second phase of planting is now in and mulched. The plants and trees that...

My latest review has just come in for a design for a new build home in Aylesford, Kent. This is an odd shaped garden which had been carved into spaces with walls. The new design is a much more organic in shape and heavier on the planting. By creating flow lines through the garden it feels bigger whilst creating seating areas that are immersed in cottage style planting. Looking forward to seeing it come to life. Thank you for the review! Get in touch if you would like a design slot for 2025. www.catrionastiles.co.uk #Aylesford #kent #newbuild #newbuildhome #newbuildhouse #garden #gardenideas #customerreview #customerfeedback #customersatisfaction
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My latest review has just come in for a design for a new build home...
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Sharing the colours from Leeds Castle in late October

A reminder of when the sun was shining earlier in the year. The clients of this garden love their garden and do an amazing job of looking after it. Having caught the planting bug, its a joy to see the plants that they have brought in to add to the design. Love our conversations of what new architectural plants we both want! #contemporarygardendesign #gardendesignuk #gardendesigner #gardendesignideas
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A reminder of when the sun was shining earlier in the year. The clients of...
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A tidy up visit to this newly planted up garden. Completed two weeks ago it’s...

What do you look for when selecting a garden designer? Its a very personal decision where you need to feel that you can trust the process to bring you a garden vision that exceeds your expectations. The designer needs to feel they have understood your brief and assessed the site to have the confidence to share with your their ideas (presenting concept designs is still a heart in the mouth moment for me). Finding that right fit is very important, for both parties. My style of design and business is quite methodical. I'm transparent as I can be on fees and timescales. What are you looking for in a garden designer? Let me know in the comments below. #gardendesign #gardendesigner #gardendesignuk
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What do you look for when selecting a garden designer? Its a very personal decision...

If you are experiencing the delightful Autumn weather, in the same way as we are, you are going to be looking at your paving wet more often. When choosing paving its a great idea to look at in natural light and see what it looks like wet. Tonally I have matched the paving to the indoor flooring to tie the two areas together. During a garden consultation I will discuss material choices with you and work with you to bring the hard surfaces together. Email me at <a href=catriona@catrionastiles.co.uk to book a consultation (hopefully not in the rain)! Paving shown is Sawn Raj Green Sandstone against an Oak LRV interior floor. #paving #pavinginrain #insideoutside #gardendesign #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas #kent" loading="lazy">
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If you are experiencing the delightful Autumn weather, in the same way as we are,...

Still enough flowers in the garden to pick some for a lovely friend #octobergarden #octoberflowers
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Still enough flowers in the garden to pick some for a lovely friend #octobergarden #octoberflowers

Front gardens should be interesting and and light you up as you walk in. This house has the empty borders, I have the fun task of filling them, to create an entrance and give colourful views from inside. #plantdesign #frontgarden #gardeninspiration
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Front gardens should be interesting and and light you up as you walk in. This...

Autumn colours are on their way in… absolutely love the brights!
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Autumn colours are on their way in… absolutely love the brights!

The joy of west facing evening sun and its shadows. #westfacinghouse #gardenshadows #eveningsun
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The joy of west facing evening sun and its shadows. #westfacinghouse #gardenshadows #eveningsun

Love that part of my job is finding plants. I had a great tour round the No Name Nursery to collect some Canna. These are going to fit perfectly in a planting scheme for a client. Steve has yet to give it a name. Thanks Steve for showing me round and adding to my plant want list! @thenonamenursery
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Love that part of my job is finding plants. I had a great tour round...

October does not mean putting the garden to bed… #octobergarden
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October does not mean putting the garden to bed… #octobergarden

At this time of year the garden in just in the cusp of about to show you its bones. Elements in the garden that exist over winter are so important to give you visual interest as well as providing habitat for wildlife. There are three types of winter structure to think about. 1. Are the evergreens, your shrubs and hedges that going to keep giving you green, they have been waiting in the wings, unassumingly in the background but now they will come to the fore. 2. Are elements of the garden with texture and colour, I love trees that have coloured bark and dogwood with its coloured stems. 3. Are your skeletal elements. Plants that are decaying with an architectural quality. Don't be too hasty to cut back! Lots of grasses and perennials look amazingly sculptural, especially when touched by sparkling frost. If you are thinking of uplifting you garden I would really recommend taking some photographs of it in the next couple of months so you can assess if these 3 elements are doing their part in your garden. #autumn #autumn #autumngarden #autumngardening #kent #faversham #canterbury #canterburykent #kentdowns #kentdownsaonb
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At this time of year the garden in just in the cusp of about to...

When should you book your designer and landscaper if you are looking to invest in your garden next year? In my latest post I'll go through the timescales of garden upgrades to give you an idea of when. Spoiler alert! Its not in spring when everyone else does. https://www.catrionastiles.co.uk/how-long-does-it-take-to-transform-a-garden/ #garden #gardeninspiration #gardeninspiration #gardendesignuk #gardendesigner #gardendesignideas
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When should you book your designer and landscaper if you are looking to invest in...

When I work with clients with lots of plants in pots its akin to discovering a sweetie stash. I love taking the plants out, maybe splitting them and adding them with new ones into planting bed. You can almost feel the plants breathing out a sigh of relief. Folk often think that keeping plants in pots is low maintenance but I often find the opposite. Even when its raining pots require watering on a more frequent basis as the roots cant tap into the moisture in the ground. The compost that feeds the plant will only continue to do so for a few months and then you need to drop dress again and feed. Of course there is the right place for a pot but for some plants this will always be a transient home. Do you have some plants looking for their forever home? #plants #plantsofinstagram #plantstagram #gardenlove #gardendesign #gardenideas #gardeninspiration
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When I work with clients with lots of plants in pots its akin to discovering...

Is your garden mainly lawn and planting and the boundary? If so it can be overwhelming to know how to make it more interesting, especially if the boundaries are an odd shape. Great garden design will create focus in the foreground and the background and give the eye somewhere to rest. If you are looking to invest in your outdoor space get in touch with me to secure a design space for 2025. www.catrionastiles.co.uk #kent #garden #gardenideas #gardendesign #gardeninspiration #gardenimprovements #gardendesignuk #gardendesignideas #gardendesignersoninstagram
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Is your garden mainly lawn and planting and the boundary? If so it can be...
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This latest design in Broadstairs takes the bones of the current sloped garden and gives...

As we move into Autumn planting season is ramping up and if you haven't already nows the time to order bulbs. Who wouldn't want something like this Allium Christophii popping up in the garden next year? The amazing globe of flowers followed by structural seedheads are always welcome. #bulbs #bulbseason #bulbsinbloom #alliums
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As we move into Autumn planting season is ramping up and if you haven't already...

As we move into autumn and winter the ability to enjoy the garden from inside becomes more important. As I have my morning cuppa it’s lovely to be able to enjoy plants near the house, appreciate the view and observe the wildlife (lots of squirrels leaving me lots of presents at the moment). What’s the view from your house of the garden like?
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As we move into autumn and winter the ability to enjoy the garden from inside...

Looking for some plants that are flowering now in September here’s some of my faves. If you’d like to be enjoying these in your own garden this time next year get in touch to secure one of my last few design slots for 2024. #september #latesummergarden #latesummerflowers #kent
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Looking for some plants that are flowering now in September here’s some of my faves....
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Loving the transformation of what felt like a small town garden into a Mediterranean oasis....

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...

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