Understanding the variety encompassed by the phase "English gardens" means fun adventures to explore formal gardens, cottage gardens, contemporary gardens and everything in between. It also means taking the road less traveled, visiting tiny suburban plots and wild hillside farms, historic estates and unassuming private gardens. As an English-born designer I'm always thrilled to share…

Visiting gardens near and far is always fun. I love to be shown new ways to use familiar plants, new design ideas for pathways, patios and structures, and simply things that make me pause. I glean ideas not only for my own garden but for the gardens I design for others. Last month I led…

When a 20-year-old landscape became an overgrown, under-used eyesore, a local Sammamish couple called me in to help. The challenges were not insignificant. The Challenges A cute little deodar cedar, originally planted for privacy, had all but swallowed the garden. It was a beast! The raised beds for growing vegetables were no longer needed The…

Arriving late afternoon at our AirBnb we were jet-lagged and weary having just flown from Seattle to Heathrow before then driving west for several hours. Yet, before I had even put the kettle on I grabbed my camera and dashed outside. The facade of this traditional Welsh farmhouse on the edge of the Brecon Beacons…

Trebah is one of my favorite Cornish gardens and I've shared my previous visits on Facebook . The garden is perhaps best known for its breathtaking hydrangea valley, Gunnera Passage and a beautiful private beach which played a role in the preparation for the D-day landings, which explains why I included it in our recent…

As our coach inched its way down the narrow country lane, the tall hedgerows of hawthorn and cow parsley on either side creating a leafy green tunnel, our sense of anticipation grew. When the coach could go no further, our adventurous tour guests hiked the last 0.2 miles on foot, before finally reaching the  driveway…

I held my breath as we pulled into our driveway fearing the worst. During our month long absence the local temperatures had been in the high 90's for extended periods with 80's the norm and no rain. I had designed our garden for both drought tolerance and deer-resistance but this would truly be a test…

In just a few days I head off to England again to lead this years tour Great Gardens of Devon and Cornwall. Prior to each tour we offer a virtual get together as well as an in-person gathering (for guests who live within driving distance of us). These provide an opportunity for guests to get…

Be warned. Gardening can become addictive! Jeanine Smith can attest to that. I recently met Jeanine at the annual conference of the American Rhododendron Society where I was a speaker. I was immediately drawn to her fun-loving personality as we chatted, so was delighted to be invited to visit her garden in Woodinville, WA while…

My woodland garden has three seasons of color with spring and fall being the most vibrant and summer being a cooler oasis of green. Since I rarely venture out into that part of the garden during winter I haven't included things specifically for winter interest although there are plenty of evergreen conifers, shrubs and perennials.…