Working with architects

Sometimes architects need garden designs to get planning permission, or to set off a new-build/extension. Sophie works within the planning constraints set down by the local Planning Department to achieve what the client wants. Here, she was the home owner and she and her husband wanted lots of different areas: a bank to cache the building from view (planning requirement) with a fire pit, a wildflower meadow, a formal entrance and parking area, and a front garden with lots of different aspects as you strolled through tall planting including a terrace near the house, a pond, a lawn and a greenhouse, all well screened from the road. The greenhouse has yet to be built.

Front garden in May 2026, 29 months after planting

The path down to the firepit in the sunken garden in May 2026, 29 months after planting

A brize soleil keeps the house cool in summer - it lets the light through but keeps the direct sun off the window (photo courtesy of Charles Emerson photography)

Work on the big pond starts - filling with water collected from the roof. October 2022

The big pond now full; pond plants starting to emerge. September 2023

The big pond in June 2025 - it is kept topped up by water collected from the gutters, and overflows into the ditch.

Front garden May 2025, 17 months after planting

The final plan for the whole site.

Planting plan for the whole site.

An example of a garden design submitted to the Wiltshire Planning Department – a requirement before building this barn conversion could start.

May 2024, five months in, with pergola/brize soleil to shade the South side of the building

The front garden June 2023 , working backwards as we lay out soil

The front garden during building works September 2022

The front garden levels about to be sorted Spring 2023

Front garden pond with the first water lily leaves appearing, May 2024. planting 5 months in

The front garden pond ready for lining and cladding

The front garden pond being built

The front garden pond being dug, here ready for the concrete pad to be laid

Garden 2025

Garden 2025

The roof terrace being installed

The roof terrace with the sedum lawn well rooted

The sedum lawn in flower

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Medium town garden, Chippenham

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Courtyard garden, Bristol