Garden Design Influences

Nature and woodlands

Nature presents itself daily and its many influences are too numerous to note. Particular areas of interest are our ever receding woodlands and the geometry present in nature, often initially hidden from the eye.

Cardiff Wales

The City of Cardiff and its surrounding area is of particular interest. Due to the rapid development of Cardiff, ‘spaces’ and rivers have been radically altered. Cardiff presents today as a young and contemporary urban fusion of shopping mecca with a twenty first century waterfront this is in distinct contrast to its previous role as a thriving commercial docklands that relied on the ebb and flow of the tidal waters. I like to remember this contrast and use it in my design work.

Pembrokeshire Wales

With relatively little urbanisation Pembrokeshire provides the senses with a plethora of natural sights, textures, colours, and sounds. An area of particular interest is the quality of light from the sun setting over the west coast.

Italian gardens

The many Renaissance gardens of Italy are of particular interest to me and do influence my design work. I enjoy the geometry, commitment to the design and the craftsmanship.

Gardens of note are the Renaissance water gardens of the Villa D’Este, Tivoli Italy, designed for Cardinal d’Este by Pirro Ligorio from 1559, open to the public. This is an impressive formal water garden its fountains driven by the clever hydraulic engineering used to harness the power of the river Aniene.

And the Villa Gamberaia, Settignano Italy. The original garden was created by Andrea Di Cosimo Lapi during the 17th century it is located at the end of a long narrow road. The garden delivers all the qualities of a Renaissance garden with the addition of the wonderful breathtaking views of the Renaissance city of Florence and surrounding Tuscan landscape.

Photo x2

English gardens

Christopher Lloyd (1921– 2006) the inspirational and eminent plantsman whose work continues today at his home Great Dixter in East Sussex, England, open to the public. I enjoyed his exuberance and generosity to impart knowledge. I am influenced by his commitment to pushing the boundaries with planting schemes.

Vita Sackville-West (1892-1962) and her inspirational gardens at her home Sissinghurst Castle, Kent, England, a National Trust property open to the public. This garden is always a pleasure to visit; I particularly enjoy the ‘garden’ rooms and planting schemes.