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Landscape
& Garden Design

About

Great gardens should be both beautiful and functional and we have the creative flair and expertise, coupled with extensive horticultural knowledge to ensure your space will work for you. We provide a comprehensive garden design service and can manage your project from the initial design stages right through to completion. We are also experienced at working as part of a multi-disciplinary team and we have a network of industry experts, such as lighting designers, water specialists and engineers, that we can call on as the project requires. We are the recipients of multiple garden design awards from the leading garden design authority in the UK, The Society of Garden and Landscape Designers. Winner Small Residential Garden 2017, Winner Medium Residential Garden 2019, Winner Large Residential Garden 2020.

From our multi-award winning garden design studio based in the New Forest in Hampshire, we design gardens for private clients across the South Coast, the Home Counties and London. We also work with architects and property developers designing residential, public and commercial projects.

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elkssmith

1,239 31,126

Award-winning practice led by Helen Elks-Smith, creating beautiful gardens. Speaker, writer & SGLD Fellow. ‘Your Garden Made Perfect’ designer.

With autumn planting underway, it`s a good time to think about choosing plants that suit our soils, rather than always trying to improve the soil to suit the plants.

We tend to think that improving our soil and making it richer is always a good thing. It encourages lush, healthy growth, but could it also be making our gardens more vulnerable?

It`s easy to forget about drought when we`re in the middle of a wet autumn, but plants growing in nutrient-rich soil aren`t necessarily better equipped to cope when the rain stops. Perhaps we need to think more about choosing plants that are naturally suited to the conditions, rather than always trying to improve the soil to suit the plants.

Are we helping plants thrive naturally, or are we trying too hard to change the conditions to suit them?

Image by @richardbloomphoto

#autumnplanting #gardenthoughts #sustainabilityingardens #gardendesign

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Open post by elkssmith with ID 18200581681392165
With autumn planting underway, it's a good time to think about choosing plants that suit our soils, rather than always trying to improve the soil to suit the plants. We tend to think that improving our soil and making it richer is always a good thing. It encourages lush, healthy growth, but could it also be making our gardens more vulnerable? It's easy to forget about drought when we're in the middle of a wet autumn, but plants growing in nutrient-rich soil aren't necessarily better equipped to cope when the rain stops. Perhaps we need to think more about choosing plants that are naturally suited to the conditions, rather than always trying to improve the soil to suit the plants. Are we helping plants thrive naturally, or are we trying too hard to change the conditions to suit them? Image by @richardbloomphoto #autumnplanting #gardenthoughts #sustainabilityingardens #gardendesign

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We`ve all heard about the importance of biodiversity, but what about bioabundance?

It`s no longer enough to simply have a variety of species in our gardens and landscapes; we also need to think about how much life they support. Abundance matters - creating places where plants, insects, birds and other wildlife don`t just survive, but thrive.

Every garden, however large or small, has the potential to make a difference so here are a few simple things we can all do to encourage greater bioabundance in our gardens:

🌿 Plant generously, with plenty of nectar- and pollen-rich plants to provide food throughout the year.

🌿 Choose a diverse mix of trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses to create different habitats and food sources.

🌿 Include plants that produce berries, seeds and fruit to support birds and other wildlife.

🌿 Leave some areas a little wilder. Allow seed heads to remain, leave leaf litter and create habitats with logs and deadwood.

🌿 Reduce pesticide use and avoid being too tidy. Insects need places to feed, shelter and complete their life cycles.

🌿 Think about water. A small pond or even a shallow dish can provide a valuable resource for wildlife.

#bioabundance #biodiversity #wildlifefriendlygardens #gardendesign

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Open post by elkssmith with ID 17893123164684905
We've all heard about the importance of biodiversity, but what about bioabundance? It's no longer enough to simply have a variety of species in our gardens and landscapes; we also need to think about how much life they support. Abundance matters - creating places where plants, insects, birds and other wildlife don't just survive, but thrive. Every garden, however large or small, has the potential to make a difference so here are a few simple things we can all do to encourage greater bioabundance in our gardens: 🌿 Plant generously, with plenty of nectar- and pollen-rich plants to provide food throughout the year. 🌿 Choose a diverse mix of trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses to create different habitats and food sources. 🌿 Include plants that produce berries, seeds and fruit to support birds and other wildlife. 🌿 Leave some areas a little wilder. Allow seed heads to remain, leave leaf litter and create habitats with logs and deadwood. 🌿 Reduce pesticide use and avoid being too tidy. Insects need places to feed, shelter and complete their life cycles. 🌿 Think about water. A small pond or even a shallow dish can provide a valuable resource for wildlife. #bioabundance #biodiversity #wildlifefriendlygardens #gardendesign

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Autumn is one of the most rewarding times of year in the garden, when the changing foliage, berries and beautiful seasonal tones bring a different kind of interest to the planting.

The right shrubs can make a real difference, adding colour, texture and structure just when much of the garden is beginning to wind down.

When choosing them, think beyond autumn colour: consider berries, leaf shape, structure and how the plant will look through the rest of the year. The best choices will earn their place in the garden in every season.

#autumngarden #seasonalgarden #autumnshrubs #gardentips #gardendesign

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Open post by elkssmith with ID 18097752956663546
Autumn is one of the most rewarding times of year in the garden, when the changing foliage, berries and beautiful seasonal tones bring a different kind of interest to the planting. The right shrubs can make a real difference, adding colour, texture and structure just when much of the garden is beginning to wind down. When choosing them, think beyond autumn colour: consider berries, leaf shape, structure and how the plant will look through the rest of the year. The best choices will earn their place in the garden in every season. #autumngarden #seasonalgarden #autumnshrubs #gardentips #gardendesign

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Anyone who knows me will know how passionate I am about trees, so I’m thrilled to be hosting an online Members Hour for members of the Society of Garden & Landscape Designers sharing my knowledge and love of trees this month.

**A Whistle-Stop Tour of Key Tree Subject Areas
**Thursday 12 November 2026
**16:00–17:00 | Online

Do join me for an exploration of key topics in tree selection, knowledge and design, with insights to help inform and inspire your work as a garden or landscape designer.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of trees, discover fresh perspectives or build on your existing horticultural knowledge, I look forward to sharing ideas and learning together.

Book via the @the_sgld website. www.sgld.org.uk

#SGLD #GardenDesign #LandscapeDesign #Trees #Horticulture

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Open post by elkssmith with ID 17971314125961766
Anyone who knows me will know how passionate I am about trees, so I’m thrilled to be hosting an online Members Hour for members of the Society of Garden & Landscape Designers sharing my knowledge and love of trees this month. **A Whistle-Stop Tour of Key Tree Subject Areas **Thursday 12 November 2026 **16:00–17:00 | Online Do join me for an exploration of key topics in tree selection, knowledge and design, with insights to help inform and inspire your work as a garden or landscape designer. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of trees, discover fresh perspectives or build on your existing horticultural knowledge, I look forward to sharing ideas and learning together. Book via the @the_sgld website. www.sgld.org.uk #SGLD #GardenDesign #LandscapeDesign #Trees #Horticulture

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We tend to think of bare-root plants as trees and perhaps shrubs, but what about grasses and herbaceous perennials?

At the Serge Hill Symposium earlier this month there were some fascinating discussions about root development and how bare-root plants can establish successfully.

We also explored the benefits of washing the growing medium from container-grown plants before planting, helping roots make direct contact with the surrounding soil rather than remaining confined to the original rootball.

@millie_souter, Head Gardener at The Plant Library, brought this to life by digging up plants grown this year to demonstrate the difference retaining the original growing medium can make. It was a fascinating insight into what happens beneath the surface and a reminder that successful planting starts with understanding the roots, not just what we see above ground.

Millie’s enthusiasm is infectious, and it was a brilliant reminder to keep questioning established practices and looking for ways to help our plants thrive.

#GardenDesign #PlantingDesign #Horticulture #GardenDesignInspiration

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Open post by elkssmith with ID 18110327081592961
We tend to think of bare-root plants as trees and perhaps shrubs, but what about grasses and herbaceous perennials? At the Serge Hill Symposium earlier this month there were some fascinating discussions about root development and how bare-root plants can establish successfully. We also explored the benefits of washing the growing medium from container-grown plants before planting, helping roots make direct contact with the surrounding soil rather than remaining confined to the original rootball. @millie_souter, Head Gardener at The Plant Library, brought this to life by digging up plants grown this year to demonstrate the difference retaining the original growing medium can make. It was a fascinating insight into what happens beneath the surface and a reminder that successful planting starts with understanding the roots, not just what we see above ground. Millie’s enthusiasm is infectious, and it was a brilliant reminder to keep questioning established practices and looking for ways to help our plants thrive. #GardenDesign #PlantingDesign #Horticulture #GardenDesignInspiration

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On Thursday 12th November I`ll be hosting an online Members Hour for members of the Society of Garden & Landscape Designers @the_sgld sharing my knowledge and love of trees.

**A Whistle-Stop Tour of Key Tree Subject Areas
**Thursday 12 November 2026
**16:00–17:00 | Online

Do join me for an exploration of key topics in tree selection, knowledge and design, with insights to help inform and inspire your work as a garden or landscape designer.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of trees, discover fresh perspectives or build on your existing horticultural knowledge, I look forward to sharing ideas and learning together.

Book via the SGLD website. www.sgld.org.uk

#SGLD #GardenDesign #LandscapeDesign #Trees #Horticulture

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Open post by elkssmith with ID 18134307667781189
On Thursday 12th November I'll be hosting an online Members Hour for members of the Society of Garden & Landscape Designers @the_sgld sharing my knowledge and love of trees. **A Whistle-Stop Tour of Key Tree Subject Areas **Thursday 12 November 2026 **16:00–17:00 | Online Do join me for an exploration of key topics in tree selection, knowledge and design, with insights to help inform and inspire your work as a garden or landscape designer. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of trees, discover fresh perspectives or build on your existing horticultural knowledge, I look forward to sharing ideas and learning together. Book via the SGLD website. www.sgld.org.uk #SGLD #GardenDesign #LandscapeDesign #Trees #Horticulture

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The secret to an autumn garden is to think about colour, texture and structure when choosing your planting.

Colour: autumn brings a beautiful shift in the garden’s colour palette. Look beyond fiery foliage to the softer tones of fading perennials, golden grasses and rich evergreen planting to create depth and contrast.

Texture: create interest by combining different textures. The fine movement of ornamental grasses, the bold shapes of leaves and the soft, fluffy plumes of late-season perennials all bring something different to the autumn garden.

Structure: as flowers fade and leaves fall, structure becomes increasingly important. Leave architectural plants standing, retain strong evergreen shapes and resist cutting everything back too soon to keep the garden looking good well into winter.

The key is to plan for contrast - in colour, form and texture - so that every season brings something different to enjoy.

#GardenDesign #AutumnGarden #AutumnColour #PlantingDesign

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Open post by elkssmith with ID 17961990137997649
The secret to an autumn garden is to think about colour, texture and structure when choosing your planting. Colour: autumn brings a beautiful shift in the garden’s colour palette. Look beyond fiery foliage to the softer tones of fading perennials, golden grasses and rich evergreen planting to create depth and contrast. Texture: create interest by combining different textures. The fine movement of ornamental grasses, the bold shapes of leaves and the soft, fluffy plumes of late-season perennials all bring something different to the autumn garden. Structure: as flowers fade and leaves fall, structure becomes increasingly important. Leave architectural plants standing, retain strong evergreen shapes and resist cutting everything back too soon to keep the garden looking good well into winter. The key is to plan for contrast - in colour, form and texture - so that every season brings something different to enjoy. #GardenDesign #AutumnGarden #AutumnColour #PlantingDesign

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Two gardens and one exciting vote!

I’m thrilled that both my New Forest country garden and Canford Cliffs coastal garden have made the shortlist for the SGLD Awards.

Both gardens are in the running for the @the_sgld People’s Choice Award, and I’d be so grateful for your vote. If either garden has caught your eye, you can vote for it via the link in my bio.

Voting closes at the end of October, so there’s still time!

Thank you, as always, for all your wonderful support — it means so much.

Photos: @stephenstuddphotography @richardbloomphoto and @elkssmith

#SGLDAwards #PeoplesChoice #GardenDesign #LandscapeDesign #NewForest

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Open post by elkssmith with ID 18079976003382770
Two gardens and one exciting vote! I’m thrilled that both my New Forest country garden and Canford Cliffs coastal garden have made the shortlist for the SGLD Awards. Both gardens are in the running for the @the_sgld People’s Choice Award, and I’d be so grateful for your vote. If either garden has caught your eye, you can vote for it via the link in my bio. Voting closes at the end of October, so there’s still time! Thank you, as always, for all your wonderful support — it means so much. Photos: @stephenstuddphotography @richardbloomphoto and @elkssmith #SGLDAwards #PeoplesChoice #GardenDesign #LandscapeDesign #NewForest

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