Garden design

Stoke Newington forest glade

“Olivia has transformed my garden and managed to turn my vague vision into a reality which has gone beyond my expectations.  It has been a really collaborative experience…Every stage of the process has been carefully planned and she has done a great job in balancing my wishes with what suits the space.  She has great knowledge of planting and where to source the strongest plants and is also really reliable, timely and great at managing budgets.  Can’t recommend enough!”

My first design job. The client wanted a ‘chic, woodland glade’ to accompany the mature silver birch in her dry, shady London front garden. Surrounded by a car park and brick housing it was a testing microclimate.

In winter the birch was crown-lifted to boost light levels. The beautiful winding path was laid by land artists Samuel Collins and Mo Langmuir. Internships at Great Dixter and Beth Chatto have inspired the succession of flowering perennials and bulbs that rise and fall around the ‘forest floor’ creating a green tapestry. Tracery is the focus, ensuring the eye has plenty to dance across.

Planted in April 2025 with gradual additions. Photos of its maturity will be shared in time.