Piet Oudolf’s revolutionary approach to garden design has created some of the world’s most celebrated public and private gardens. Here are five of the most famous Oudolf gardens, detailing their locations, characteristics, and the plant species that define each unique space. Featured Image: “Oudolf Prive Tuin – Hummelo” by westher is licensed under CC BY …
Piet Oudolf’s work often strikes viewers with how wild and natural everything looks. Yet closer inspection reveals an incredibly sophisticated planting plan beneath what appears to be nature’s own handiwork. This Dutch garden designer has revolutionised how we think about perennial planting, creating gardens that are both structurally sound and ecologically beneficial. Oudolf’s approach represents …
Tropical Patio Planting Plans for Every Climate: Frost-Free and Frost-Prone Options Creating a tropical patio is a great way to bring a touch of the exotic into your outdoor space. With the right combination of plants, structure, and layout, you can transform even a small patio into a lush, relaxing retreat that feels like a …
A tropical patio offers the perfect escape—a space where you can relax, entertain guests, and feel like you’re on holiday without leaving home. With the right plants, materials, and layout, you can create a lush retreat full of colour, texture, and comfort. It doesn’t really matter if you have a large garden space or a …
Creating a classic cottage garden is about blending charm, functionality, and natural beauty into a unique and inviting outdoor space. These gardens are characterised by informality, an abundant mix of ornamental and edible plants, and a sense of old time romance. Rooted in tradition, a cottage garden is all about embracing a free-flowing approach by …
Create a Haven for Bees, Butterflies and Other Beneficial Insects Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is one of the most rewarding ways to support your local ecosystem while enjoying beautiful blooms and fascinating wildlife. By dedicating even a small space to pollinators, you’re providing vital habitat for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects that play a …
Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) stands as one of the most influential figures in garden design history, whose artistic vision and horticultural knowledge transformed the English garden landscape. Her innovative approach to colour, plant combinations, and garden structure created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire garden designers worldwide. Through her prolific writing and over 400 garden …
Dreaming of a lush, exotic retreat in your own backyard? A tropical garden water feature combines the soothing qualities of flowing water with vibrant foliage and dramatic plants to create a resort-like atmosphere at home. Designing a tropical water feature garden can create a wonderful retreat where the gentle sound of water creates a peaceful …
Piet Oudolf, the renowned Dutch garden designer, has transformed modern perennial gardening with his naturalistic approach. His gardens, such as the High Line in New York, the Lurie Garden in Chicago, and the Vlinderhof Garden in the Netherlands, showcase drifts of resilient, structural plants that provide interest throughout the year. His influence extends across Europe, …
A tropical courtyard garden can be a lush, green oasis filled with vibrant plants, bold foliage, and exotic blooms. You might live in a warm climate perfectly suited to tropical plants or you might be looking to create a tropical feel in a cooler region. Either way, careful planning and the right plant choices can …
These tropical garden ideas will help you bring an exotic paradise feel to any outdoor space. A well-designed tropical garden combines dramatic architectural foliage with vibrant clashing colours to create a lush, immersive environment. Even gardeners in cooler climates can achieve a tropical look by selecting plants that mimic the visual qualities of tropical species …
Designing a tropical garden by the sea is a wonderful way to create an exotic and relaxing outdoor space. The combination of lush foliage, vibrant flowers, and the coastal backdrop can evoke the feeling of being in a holiday paradise all year round. A tropical garden by the sea can include various features that enhance …
Tropical front gardens have a unique charm that instantly brightens any home. By incorporating lush greenery, colourful blooms, and eye-catching elements, these gardens create an inviting atmosphere and enhance curb appeal. A tropical entrance and front garden can transform the look of any home, creating a space that feels fresh, inviting, and full of life. …
Designing a small tropical garden can bring an exotic flair to your home, turning even the most modest outdoor area into a lush, vibrant haven. With thoughtful planning, the right plant choices, and proper preparation, your garden can mimic the vibrant, verdant feel of a tropical jungle. Here, we’ll explore design principles, garden preparation tips, …
Tropical landscape design is more than simply choosing plants and arranging them; it involves understanding core design principles that work together to create a visually appealing, functional, and cohesive outdoor space. These principles—unity, balance, scale, variety, colour, and texture—are especially relevant in creating a tropical garden, where the lush, dense appearance and vibrant atmosphere require …
Adding an edge to your garden beds or borders offers a simple yet impactful way to enhance your garden’s look and functionality. A good landscape edging solution can give you clean lines, define spaces, keep soil and mulch in place, and reduce the spread of invasive grass or weeds. With various materials to choose from, …
When I first started gardening, I lived in London. I was desperate to get a tropical look in my garden, even though (in those days) the temperature often fell to -5°C and it would have been easier to create a typical English garden. So, to achieve the look, I had to use hardy exotics, as …
Most indoor plants we grow (apart from the cacti and succulents) have a tropical origin. The large, lush, dark green leaves of our house plants are the typical characteristics of tropical plants – and they are perfect for creating the indoor jungle look. In this article we will explore various ideas for using tropical plants …
It is easy to think of a patio as just a place to sit – somewhere that is fundamentally separate from the rest of the garden. We might place a few pots of bedding plants on the patio for a bit of colour. But we don’t always make th most of these garden spaces. So, …
Transform your garden into a thriving wildlife habitat and ecosystem Are you looking to turn your garden into a haven for wildlife? Creating a habitat that attracts and nurtures local fauna can be a rewarding and environmentally friendly endeavour. With a few simple changes, you can transform your outdoor space into a thriving ecosystem that …