Reckless Gardener - Online Gardening Magazine. Garden Designer Profile

Design - Where permitted we like to create gardens in a classic style using classic materials, therefore promoting a sense of permanence and timelessness. All designs are exercised with a lot of flair, and we believe that by coupling our ideals and adopting a very simple approach, enables us to create inspiring, elegant and personal spaces for our clients, we are also undoubtedly passionate in recognising a client’s vision and going beyond their expectations.

Qualifications – BSc (hons) in Mechanical Engineering and Product Design, Post-graduate Diploma from Pickard School of Garden Design (Distinction) & currently studying for MA in Garden Design at Staffs University (Comp. Aug 05)

Awards - RHS Silver Flora – Chelsea 2004 (The Woolworths Garden)

Area based - Based in West Sussex although the practice has nationwide coverage

Most exciting garden designed - The Woolworths Garden at last years Chelsea Flower show has to be one of the most exciting, although we have been fortunate enough, to be commissioned for some very prestigious projects. The most rewarding recently, being a memorial garden for a primary school in Gt. Baddow, Chelmsford in Essex, phase 1 was completed in October of last year, Phase 2 is about to start with completion programmed for End of May.

What inspires you about each garden that you design? - Quite simply, the clients we meet, their personalities and the feel of the space.

Is there a plant that seems to be consistently used in your designs? – Box, Yew, most plants that we are able to manipulate in some way, to create a sense of order and control, nevertheless the plant palette varies considerably. However, we do like to soften the strict lines we create with the structured planting, using herbaceous.

How do your clients cope with looking after their garden once you and your team have left? – There is generally a maintenance schedule put in place prior to the completion of the garden, we normally return to the project for the first time after three to six months, and then at the beginning and towards the end of the first growing season.

What is the average time scale for a typical garden? Concept to Constructed can happen in hours and a couple of weeks to a number of weeks and months.

Advice to would be designers – Assume you know nothing and keep an open mind, you learn a great deal more that way.

Web site and further details – www.designwithheart.com