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Ruth Bridgeman
Garden Design
​Good design just makes life better. It's not about just chucking money at something, it's about getting it right and that takes skill, taste and experience. It is my job as a designer to achieve this elegant balance.
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In terms of design, gardens are particularly tricky; because they change and grow with seasons and time. By embracing nature rather than trying to control it, these spaces can be beautiful throughout the year, vital as they usually make up your everyday view. Making your surroundings gorgeous is very good for the soul.
My particular style is defined by building strong backbones of shape within the layout- which I then soften with romantic planting. Contemporary, wild spaces that are both absolutely on point, yet also settled and established. I draw largely by hand which adds an element of spontaneity and soul to the space- the way a drawing feels does imitate the way the space will feel later. For builds we move to CAD when the design is transferred to construction detail.
The way that I work follows a basic process, which I tailor for each client. Firstly we have a chat to discuss your project and see if we're a good fit for each other. Then I send over a questionnaire to help distill what you're after, find out the practical information I need and start to build a brief.
It will become clear as to what sort of help you need- either a full paper to plant design and build service- 'the whole shebang', or a design to inspire, encourage and follow to build your own garden- 'Just what you need'. Either way, we usually start with an initial design package which is developed to clarify the layout, style and some detail of the space.Click here for some examples:
Prices for small gardens start at £580 per 100m2. Larger gardens can be quoted according to the work required. Please do ask me any questions you may have, it's very exciting getting a proper garden created and it would be great to hear about your project.
Why create a garden? The outdoors has never been more important. Alongside substantial concerns over the ecological and climate emergency, a new appreciation of the natural world has emerged. Building on a huge existing increase in forest schools for children, outdoor sports, wellness programmes and glamping amongst others - we are waking up to the benefits a bit of time and space under the sky can give us.
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Accompanying this greater experience is a greater awareness of how we affect the wider world and a desire to protect it. When we so often feel like we have no impact - to build a garden that not only benefits us but supports our planet is a very real and significant way we can make a difference.
For our planet we can grow trees to capture carbon and choose plants that support insects, birds and habitats for myriads of species which is crucial for biodiversity and environmental health. Planted areas also help prevent flooding and cool the air, especially helpful in very urban areas.
For ourselves gardens can create a beautiful, changing and year round view from our home, a place to have some peace, to play a game, to entertain. We can read, cook, do some yoga, grow some food or cut flowers for our homes, or just do some gardening.
Good garden design not only creates something that does all of the above, but it does it in such a way that reflects the clients wishes and needs in a truly personal way.
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