Bucks &amp; Oxon


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/MAIN-IMAGE-Chalfont-St-Giles-Country-Garden.jpg" alt="Chiltern Garden Design" class="wp-image-172279" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/MAIN-IMAGE-Chalfont-St-Giles-Country-Garden.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/MAIN-IMAGE-Chalfont-St-Giles-Country-Garden-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/MAIN-IMAGE-Chalfont-St-Giles-Country-Garden-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-the-most-of-your-space"><strong>Make the most of your space</strong></h2>



<p>When I take on a new client, my first task is to understand how they want to use their garden – how they live, play and entertain, and how their existing garden set-up is restricting them. After all, gardens come in all shapes and sizes, and each present unique challenges. Long, thin gardens often have an unused and unvisited space at the bottom of the garden, so it’s my job to draw clients down the garden path (as it were) by adding interest like seating areas, paths and planting to maximise their use and enjoyment of the space.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Zingy-planting-long-narrow-garden-interest-.jpg" alt="Chiltern Garden Design" class="wp-image-172284" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Zingy-planting-long-narrow-garden-interest-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Zingy-planting-long-narrow-garden-interest--800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Zingy-planting-long-narrow-garden-interest--400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Shallow and wide gardens, or gardens that are unusual shapes, need careful consideration too. It’s often about drawing the eye to features you want to focus on and disguising other elements with careful screening to make the garden’s shape feel less of an issue. Screening fences with hedges, climbers, trees and shrubbery makes the garden feel bigger and deeper than it is – obscuring the boundaries tricks the eye into thinking there is something beyond.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seating-and-paved-areas"><strong>Seating and paved areas</strong></h2>



<p>Seating areas and entertaining spaces are a big investment, so you want to get them right. Make sure you think through these things through on paper first to avoid making a mistake in the real world – undoing it can be very costly! It’s tempting to simply position your main patio space outside your kitchen doors – but it’s important to challenge preconceptions of where a paved seating area should be.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="754" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Zoned-Dining-Lounging-spaces.jpg" alt="Chiltern Garden Design" class="wp-image-172286" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Zoned-Dining-Lounging-spaces.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Zoned-Dining-Lounging-spaces-800x603.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Zoned-Dining-Lounging-spaces-400x302.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Think about which areas of the garden get sun/shade, which parts of the space feel private, and where you can enjoy the best views. Could it be more interesting to have the patio a bit further away from the house and have a ‘journey’ to it through some interesting planting or stepping-stones? Would you prefer to sit in a more elevated position and have a view down the garden, or do you want to sit in a low position surrounded by planting and feel cosseted?</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Seating-away-from-house.jpg" alt="Chiltern Garden Design" class="wp-image-172282" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Seating-away-from-house.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Seating-away-from-house-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Seating-away-from-house-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Even in a small garden it’s nice to have multiple seating areas to mix up sun and shade or just enjoy a different view. In my own garden, I have a nice entertaining area by the house plus a spot further down the garden that catches the last of the evening sun. Remember that seating areas don’t have to be complex, it can just be a simple, attractive bench.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paving-patterns"><strong>Paving patterns</strong></h2>



<p>If you simply pave a large area of your garden with big slabs it can feel a bit bleak, so I like to introduce some character – either by using contrasting materials or using the same material in a different format to delineate spaces and add texture and character. Breaking up the design and the space with different materials, or the same material in different textures (which is a subtler way of doing it) adds interest at the ground level of your garden. You can then build on this by adding planting, accessories and furniture at eye level.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="678" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Orientate-seating-away-from-house-1.jpg" alt="Chiltern Garden Design" class="wp-image-172305" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Orientate-seating-away-from-house-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Orientate-seating-away-from-house-1-800x542.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Orientate-seating-away-from-house-1-400x271.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: @nigel_proctor_photography</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lighting"><strong>Lighting</strong></h2>



<p>Lighting is really in demand these days. More and more people have bi-fold windows or sliding doors looking out to the garden, and if you’re not careful you end up with big black hole in the dark hours in the winter months. It’s such a lovely thing to show off your garden and enjoy it from indoors during those periods. Simple feature lighting will pick out the key structural elements. You might have a beautiful tree that you uplight, you can downlight onto a lawn to create a pattern effect through the branches, or you can use spotlights to delicately pick out paths and steps and water features.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Lighting-trees.jpeg" alt="Chiltern Garden Design" class="wp-image-172278" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Lighting-trees.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Lighting-trees-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Lighting-trees-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Lighting-trees-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I try not to use too many in-ground lights because they are more difficult to maintain and effectively just light the sky, which affects the wildlife. You can have lights on a separate circuit that you only use when you are entertaining and enjoying the space – for example, lights around a pergola down onto a dining table, or softer lights within the planting to guide you from one space to another. Less is more with lighting – you don’t want to go overboard and have the Blackpool illuminations, so always stick to one colour: warm white. Don’t be tempted to go for green or blue lighting, it just looks tacky.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/FeatureLighting.jpg" alt="Chiltern Garden Design" class="wp-image-172304" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/FeatureLighting.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/FeatureLighting-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/FeatureLighting-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: @nigel_proctor_photography</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-features"><strong>Water features</strong></h2>



<p>The main consideration is do you want a self-contained water feature that is just for a relaxing sound (typically positioned near the house or a seating area), or a more natural feature like a pond that wildlife can enjoy too.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Self_contained_water_feature.jpg" alt="Chiltern Garden Design" class="wp-image-172306" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Self_contained_water_feature.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Self_contained_water_feature-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Self_contained_water_feature-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: @nigel_proctor_photography</figcaption></figure>



<p>Site a pond so it feels natural and could have been there originally (i.e., not at the top of a hill, but in a natural depression). If you go for a self-contained water feature, which recycles the water, you’ll still need to clean it out regularly to keep the water fresh and clean. Consider whether you have the time and resources to maintain it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-conservation"><strong>Water conservation</strong></h2>



<p>I’m also passionate about using water as a resource within the garden – I designed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/gardens/2024/water-saving-garden-affinity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Water Saving Garden</a> at RHS Chelsea&nbsp;this year (below). I always try to incorporate water capture and re-use within a garden because here in the Southeast we use more water than any other region in the country. We need reduce our consumption as it has implications on our environment – plus it’s not ideal to use chemically treated tap-water on your plants.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Water-Saving-Chelsea.jpg" alt="Chiltern Garden Design" class="wp-image-172283" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Water-Saving-Chelsea.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Water-Saving-Chelsea-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Water-Saving-Chelsea-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I encourage everyone, whatever size their garden, to capture rainwater in a simple water butt or redirect a downpipe into their garden so they can save drinking water. I’m really keen to protect our rare and precious chalk streams here in the Chilterns. It’s very easy to over-extract water for our own human use, so there’s nothing left for the chalk streams. Remember that lawns really don’t need watering. There is no need to irrigate a lawn because grasses are the most successful plants on the planet – once turf is established, it will always come back.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Privacy-sunken-seating-nestled-amongst-planting.jpg" alt="Chiltern Garden Design" class="wp-image-172281" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Privacy-sunken-seating-nestled-amongst-planting.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Privacy-sunken-seating-nestled-amongst-planting-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Privacy-sunken-seating-nestled-amongst-planting-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong><em>Sam Proctor MSGD is the founder of the Amersham-based design practice Chiltern Garden Design, which focuses on the Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire areas of the Chiltern Hills. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chilterngardendesign.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chilterngardendesign.com</a>&nbsp;for more info on her award-winning garden designs.</em></strong></p>


Root and branch design: create your dream garden

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