Garden Design Styles

Gothic gardens aren’t about creating something frightening or forbidding. Rather, they’re about embracing the romance of shadows, the elegance of deep colours, and the theatrical beauty that comes from bold contrasts with your plant choices and landscaping design choices. These spaces evoke an atmosphere of sophisticated drama, that Gothic mystery which many of us love. […]

If you’re gazing out at a bare concrete balcony, wondering how you could possibly create a thriving garden in such a small space, believe me when I tell you that no matter how small the space, it can still become an inviting garden (even 13 floors up). After years of designing gardens for clients ranging […]

If you’ve ever stood in your garden watching your beloved pooch systematically destroy your prize Dahlias whilst simultaneously wondering if those mysterious holes appearing overnight are the work of garden goblins or your ‘innocent’ terrier, then you’re in exactly the right place. I’ve seen it all in my years designing gardens for dog owners and […]

You’re probably ready to get stuck into creating your dream new build garden oasis. You have this brand-new green space that could become something amazing. It may resemble the new build example below closely. Then it hits you. You have no idea where to start, and every idea you have doesn’t quite work or leaves […]

There’s something magical about designing a garden. Whether you’re tasked with designing a cozy courtyard, a suburban back garden, or a sprawling multi-acre landscape garden, the same garden design principles will apply. Although the sizes differ, the creative process follows the same pattern, which is why some form of garden design training is essential to […]

A well-designed front garden can transform the look of your home, boost curb appeal, and provide a welcoming space for visitors. But designing a front garden isn’t just about gorgeous garden design aesthetics—it’s about functionality, planting schemes, encouraging wildlife to our housing estates and making the best use of space. After all, the front garden […]

One question I get asked frequently on this site is, ‘Why is garden design expensive?’ and my answer is that garden design isn’t expensive; it’s good value for money given the vast multidisciplinary skills that go into making a successful garden design. Garden designers should not be cheap. Combining plant knowledge, design skills, project management, […]

Garden design is both an art and a science, blending creativity with practicality to create outdoor spaces that are beautiful, functional, and sustainable with a strong focus on the right plant choices and hard-landscaping materials. However, learning the ins and outs of garden design can feel daunting—especially if you’re new to plants/horticulture, drawing up scaled […]

Garden Ninja recently visited one of the finest examples of Chinese gardens, the Nan Lian Garden in Hong Kong. Set in the busy and sprawling Kowloon district, it is a welcome relief from the excitement and exhaustion of the city. The gardens spread over 3.4 hectares and opened in 2006, though walking around them you […]

Designing a garden is an exciting journey that can transform any outdoor space into a lush, inviting sanctuary. However, creating a functional and beautiful garden can be challenging, particularly if you’re new to gardening or have specific goals in mind. This is where garden design templates, planting plans, and layouts of existing garden designs can […]