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Courtyard Garden Design Transformation

I love front gardens that put on a display. A small tree or shrub with blossom at this time of year shares the joy of spring with passers by. Looking for some inspiration for your front garden? Get in touch to book a consultation.
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I love front gardens that put on a display. A small tree or shrub with...

If you are enjoying the sunny weather in the South of England I have a little reminder for you. Please give any recently (the last year or so) planted trees and shrubs a good water. Its really dry out there which is great for us gardening not so much for our green friends used to wet spring intervals.
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If you are enjoying the sunny weather in the South of England I have a...

This latest concept is for a garden in Sholden, Deal. The clients have moved into this bungalow and now want to be able to enjoy the garden. See the last pic for how it looks currently. The plan is to use a millboard deck as an entertaining area at the back of the house with paths leading to the existing patio. Creating ornamental beds that have curves will bring a better feel and shape to the garden. #gardendesign #houseandgarden #gardeningkent #gardeninspiration #kent #gardendesignerkent
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This latest concept is for a garden in Sholden, Deal. The clients have moved into...

Absolutely glorious Camellia at today’s revisit. This gem of a shrub had been kept in a pot and during the redesign we planted most of the clients plants into beds. The plant is loving the conditions and being in a raised bed we get rewarded from the view at a higher level. When I get asked about low maintenance gardening (the mythical non achievable goal) I do advise to get plants out of pots. Pots require watering and feeding. Something easily missed, forgotten and quickly leads to sad plants. The ground is much more forgiving!
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Absolutely glorious Camellia at today’s revisit. This gem of a shrub had been kept in...

Catchup visit to this garden in Oxshott today. The garden isn’t too far away from bringing the green back in. We have opened the garden out by removing the huge leylandii hedge, carving the slope into terraces and recovering some land that had been inadvertently lost to a neighbour. Watch this space for the photos once it is planted. #garden #gardentransformation #terracegarden
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Catchup visit to this garden in Oxshott today. The garden isn’t too far away from...

Some update pictures from clients in Aylesham. The hard landscaping is all done - ready for planting in a couple of weeks. This new build property has the corner garden and had been oddly carved out leaving the garden feeling small and the area to the side cut off from the rest of the garden. See the last pic for before. By introducing a cohesive design there is now flow from one part of the garden to the other. There are seating areas out in the garden for the clients to enjoy the garden. Some new raised planting beds are all set for the family to grow their own fruit and veg. Once the planting goes in overall feel will be softer and with some more privacy.
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Some update pictures from clients in Aylesham. The hard landscaping is all done - ready...

One of the major rewards of my work is bringing my clients back in touch with their garden. It makes my heart sing to hear them speak passionately about their outdoor spaces, especially when they have been so disconnected and out of love with it before. So pleased to get messages like this. If you are looking to get back in love with your garden I'm currently booking into May for Garden Consultations. Get in touch to find out more www.catrionastiles.co.uk #gardendesign #gardendesigns #gardendesigner #loveyourgarden
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One of the major rewards of my work is bringing my clients back in touch...

Now that we are in spring .. just.. its time to cut back the deciduous grasses and perennials that have been giving structural interest over the winter months. New growth should be popping up all around so don't be frightened to cut right back. If you are really being prepared mulch around your plants with a layer of organic material. This will help suppress the weeds, helps with moisture retention and help the soil microbiome. Busy but enjoyable times in the garden this month! #garden #gardening #gardendesign
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Now that we are in spring .. just.. its time to cut back the deciduous...

Having created the rear garden last year its time for the front garden to get an update. This front garden is mainly grass and some tarmac at the moment. The plan is to update the boundaries with brick walls and railings and increase the opening to get cars in. Planting beds are edged with concrete setts which are also used within the resin bound gravel as a decorative visual aid of where to park, without looking like a car park. All the grass will go and be replaced by drought tolerant planting in a gravel garden type feel. The planting will give a sense of privacy and interest without being high maintenance. #chilslehurst #bromley #frontgarden #frontgardens #gardendrive #gardendesign #gardendesignuk #gardendesigner #kent
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Having created the rear garden last year its time for the front garden to get...

Lovely to get some work in progress shots for this garden in Newnham from the clients. The design incorporates some useable areas for the family to entertain. This ground level will provide lots of room and now lets much more light into the house. Lots more terraces to go! #gardendesign #faversham #familygarden #gardendesigner #enjoyyourgarden
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Lovely to get some work in progress shots for this garden in Newnham from the...

This is latest concept design off the board today. This is currently a blank garden, in Queens Park London. The garden room is currently undergoing a makeover (no more blue) and the garden patio and paths have been designed to create organic shapes between the house and garden room. When discussing the brief what came across was a need for a garden with a magical, natural feeling. The grass is gone and the the whole garden will be planted in lush planting, mainly evergreen planting with pops of colour to be seen from viewpoints inside and out. A natural stone water feature will be a lovely focal point and provide ambient noise. This haven in the city will hopefully being built this spring/summer. Excited to see this one come to life. #gardendesign #gardeninspiration #londongarden #gardenidyll #tranquilgarden
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This is latest concept design off the board today. This is currently a blank garden,...

I’m pleased to announce that I have been approved as a Garden Designer member of the Association of Professional Landscaper. The association checks all its members to ensure they are working to professional standards. For a long time I have used the association as a way to find professional landscapers to work with my clients. As a professional designer, its great to get recognition from an external body, that my work too, meets the required standards. @apl_news #APL #gardendesign #professional
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I’m pleased to announce that I have been approved as a Garden Designer member of...

Happy Valentines Day! Roses are synonyms with romance and bouquets. Hope about planting them in your garden for a longer window of enjoyment! Really easy to grow, look after and with you huge varieties to pick from I wouldn't be without one in a garden. The one is a favourite Scepter'd Isle from David Austin. Repeat flowering, lovely fragrance and a slightly more open form to allow the pollinators to enjoy too. #valentines #valentinesday #ValentinesRoses #valentinesrose #valentinesroses
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Happy Valentines Day! Roses are synonyms with romance and bouquets. Hope about planting them in...

Upgrading your garden is an investment but one that is not just about giving you a better enjoyment but also to increase the value of your home. Since the lockdowns of Covid 19 gardens have become hot on the desirable list for house buyers. Having a well designed garden will give your house an attraction, above others, and can add value to your property, in the same way as upgrading your bathroom or kitchen. Think of as investing in your outdoor space to complete the overall home. You don't need to do the garden in one hit but having an overall plan will make the garden feel cohesive and sit well with your house. #homeinvestment #GardenUpgrade #gardenupgrade
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Upgrading your garden is an investment but one that is not just about giving you...

When the people around you have "traditional" gardens it can be brave to be unconventional. Often our parents and grandparents have established gardens, not our taste, but what we know. If you want something different it can take a leap of faith. You are creative and want to use this skill in your garden. A garden designer can take your ideas and convert them into a plan. With concepts and drawings you can convey to all what you want to achieve. Have confidence in your taste! #gardenstyle #gardendesignuk #gardendesign #gardendesignideas
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When the people around you have "traditional" gardens it can be brave to be unconventional....

There is something very magical to me in the art of planting design. The factors of where the plants will be happy, when they will give interest and what will look good together give so much choice. When I'm planting an area I have a plan but often there is a feel for what will be happy together and tweaking on site. There is a leap of faith for clients as I move around pots that look like they have a few sticks in (especially at this time of year). Luckily I'm imagining how they will be at their peak. As someone who enjoys art and occasionally picks up a paintbrush, this way of bringing together colour and texture resonates. The randomness and successional planting of naturalistic planting creates a scape that is so pleasing to the eye. What type of planting do you like? Prairie? Cottage? Formal? Let mw know in the comments. This picture is from a garden in Charing Heath. Many of these plants were in pots and we split them, put them in the ground and let them be. #plantingideas #plantingdesign #plantingstyle #garden
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There is something very magical to me in the art of planting design. The factors...

Ever wondered how it feels to work with a garden designer? "I am so delighted with Catriona's bespoke garden design. From our first meeting to the final planting, she listened and completely understood what I was looking for whilst I only had a Pinterest board and a vague notion. Her concept was spot on! I simply could not have done it without her talented eye and understanding. Catriona has transformed a rather dull and uninspired new-build garden into an inviting, curvy space with naturalistic planting, plenty of interest, and, importantly, very low maintenance. I now have a beautiful vista during the colder months and a new, inviting living space for relaxing and entertaining during Spring and Summer. I have no hesitation in recommending Catriona for your garden design project. In the words of Martha Stewart, “If you want to be happy for a year, get married. If you want to be happy for 10 years, get a dog, but if you want to be happy forever, make a garden”.😍😁🤣" Swipe left to see the photos of the transformation of this new build garden. Ready for your garden to give you joy? Pop me a DM to find out more. Landscaping:@hythegardenlandscapes #dover #guston #newgarden #newgarden #newbuild #newbuildhome #newbuildgarden #newbuilduk #gardenideas #gardendesign #gardeninspiration #gardentransformation #clientreview
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Ever wondered how it feels to work with a garden designer? "I am so delighted...

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Come and discover this garden that’s just been finished in Guston, Dover. This new build...

There was actually a window of sun on Saturday so I took the opportunity to start cutting back the grasses and perennials in the front garden. Absolutely delighted to see the snowdrops, crocus and anemones starting to raise their heads. The hellebores doing a great job of giving a bit of colour. We are nearly at the end of January, I'm so excited to move towards spring! #january #January2025 #januarygarden #spring #springflowers #frontgarden
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There was actually a window of sun on Saturday so I took the opportunity to...

Just a reminder in the cold, wind and cloud filled days of winter that underground is a treasure trove of hidden beauties, biding their time, hunkering down until the time is right. The sun will soon again shine down on our faces.
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Just a reminder in the cold, wind and cloud filled days of winter that underground...

Lawns, the quintessential English garden feature, can completely change the feel and maintenance requirements of a garden. Some folks feel they need the largest lawn possible, to give the feeling of space. In reality a large lawn, that dominates the garden, makes the boundaries feel closer. Breaking up a lawn gives your eye somewhere to rest, rather than taking your eye straight to the boundaries. It can feel scary to cut up your lawn but it is actually one of the most effective ways at changing your garden. In terms of maintenance, if you are looking to having perfect grass, a lawn can be one of the most high maintenance areas of your garden. Cutting once a week, aerating, fertilising, scarifying, watering… actually makes this a more intensive garden area than planting borders. Are you ready to sacrifice some lawn to make some more planting space? #gardendesign #gardening #yourgardenmadeperfect #gardenborder #familygarden #gardeninspiration #loveyourgarden #kent
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Lawns, the quintessential English garden feature, can completely change the feel and maintenance requirements of...

When you are looking to update your garden it can be tempting to go straight to a landscaper and ask their thoughts on what do with the space. They will create you a garden but will it have the feel, ambience and views you were hoping for? Most people will engage an architect if they are extending a home. Instructing a garden designer is just as an important step when you are investing in your garden. If you are looking to do more than create a rectangular lawn with borders along the edges, I would highly recommend finding a garden designer, that will collaborate with you, to make your vision clear. Have a look at my website to see if I can help you bring your garden vision to fruition. www.catrionastiles.co.uk #garden #gardendesignideas #gardenproject #favershamkent #gardenideas #gardendesignuk #gardenlove #gardendesign #gardens
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When you are looking to update your garden it can be tempting to go straight...

Sloping gardens can take some imagination, to resolve the spaces, into a cohesive garden. This garden is being created this year and will give the family entertaining space, play space. views and lovely planting. If you have a sloped area working in 3D is so useful. Using a topographical survey your current garden can be accurately mapped and then designed accordingly. Visit www.catrionastiles.co.uk through the link in the bio to take a look at my design packages. #gardendesignideas #gardendesignuk #favershamkent #gardenproject #garden #gardendesign #gardenideas #gardenstyle #kent #familygarden #faversham
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Sloping gardens can take some imagination, to resolve the spaces, into a cohesive garden. This...

Delighted to get this review in to start the New Year in a positive glow. This garden bed was redesigned and planted up last year. Swipe left to see the after pics. The last pic shows the before. This large bed had been created previously to take up the sloped space. Being honest (and I've had this conversation earlier) this isnt as I would have carved up the space. Take note - its really worth getting a design before spending lots on your garden. I am still working with the clients and have suggested that a new bed with structural tree in the current lawn. The bed had been planted up with a random mix of plants that didnt sit well in the situation. The whole thing had been covered with a weed suppressant fabric and this had created a soil that was anaerobic and the plants that were they were not doing so well. This border was designed to reuse the a lot of the planting and incorporate the trees that were there. The clients had two different visions, one wanted a formal look the other more naturalistic. By creating a low shaped hedge the planting nearest the patio is contained and has a formal evergreen structure. As the the garden leads to the corner it becomes looser with a woodland feel with a seating point immersed in planting and nature. If you are thinking of refreshing your garden, but are not sure where to start, get in touch to see how I can help. #gardendesign #houseandgarden #gardening #yourgardenmadeperfect #beautifulgardens #gardenbeds #gardeninspiration #gardendesignuk #kentdownsaonb #gardendesignideas #kentdowns #kent #charing
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Delighted to get this review in to start the New Year in a positive glow....

Step in 2025 with a garden that brings you joy. Let Catriona Stiles Garden Design work with you to evolve your outdoor space into beautiful garden for all seasons. I take delight in bringing to life gardens that marry your style, contemporary hard landscaping and complimentary planting. Get in touch to book a consultation and secure a design slot for Spring. www.catrionastiles.co.uk #gardendesign #garden #gardenlove #GardenDreams #winterblues #gardendesignideas #gardendesignuk #kentdowns #gardenproject #gardens #favershamkent #kentdownsaonb #canterbury #canterburykent #houseandgarden #gardening #faversham #Garden #yourgardenmadeperfect #familygarden #beautifulgardens #gardeninspiration #loveyourgarden
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Step in 2025 with a garden that brings you joy. Let Catriona Stiles Garden Design...

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As 2024 comes to a close its nice to imagine what 2025 can bring. I...

2025 garden visuals. Phase 1 of this garden should hopefully be created in the spring. The clients will have the overall plan to create over time. This garden, on the edge of Canterbury, will give the clients destinations in the garden and hopefully the wow factor. Get in touch if you would like to book at 2025 design slot.
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2025 garden visuals. Phase 1 of this garden should hopefully be created in the spring....

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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