Dan’s approach to landscape design

Introduction

Listen to the Landscape

To create a garden with heart and soul, you must first engage meaningfully with the space. Before imposing your own vision and ideas onto the garden, take time to look at how it already exists. What grows there naturally, and what is particularly thriving? How has the landscape developed? What can you learn from it? Allow the space to talk to you and respond in a way that is both intuitive and sensitive.

Informality

While it's important for a garden to feel tended, I prefer just a hint of order and purpose. The concept of Naturalism runs throughout my work, and I am influenced by what is native and local to the area. By allowing each aspect of your project to be guided by nature, from the use of materials to choice of plants, you will create a beautiful informality that feels comfortable, relaxed and in harmony with the landscape.

Dan's Approach to Landscape Design

We are really just custodians of the land, with a responsibility to look after it for the next generation.

Practicality and Aesthetics

A garden should, of course, also be practical. However, there are many aesthetic choices that can be made within that framework of practicality. Once you have a solid idea of what is functionally necessary and environmentally crucial to your space, you can then experiment with more subtle aspects such as form, colour and texture, to create a visually stimulating landscape that evolves aesthetically with time.

How to Approach Your Own Landscape Design

Observe how the four seasons move through your garden during the year. Consider the conditions governing each area, to see where you might like to plant, but also where you might want to sit and read or perhaps entertain. Begin a dialogue with the space to understand how best you can live in it, as well as how best you can look after it.

Your Assignment

Immerse yourself in your own outdoor space. When you feel connected, answer the following questions.

How would you describe the mood of your garden?

What is growing particularly well in your garden?

Which plants and materials are native to your local area?

What are your most important practical requirements of your garden?

What would you like to introduce or experiment with aesthetically?