Tailored to You: A Bespoke Approach to Garden Design
15 Oct 2024 | Written by Tom Wolstenholme
At Tom Wolstenholme Garden Design, we believe that every garden is as unique as the people who inhabit it. That’s why our approach to garden design starts not with sketches or plant lists, but with a deep understanding of how our clients want to use their outdoor space. For us, creating a beautiful garden is about more than aesthetics; it’s about crafting a space that seamlessly fits into the daily rhythms of life, one that enhances the lifestyle of its occupants.
Our process begins by getting to know you—the way you live, your preferences, and how you envision interacting with your garden. From quiet retreats to social hubs, from minimalist elegance to vibrant creativity, our goal is to design gardens that feel like a true extension of your home and personality.
Understanding the Occupancy: Your Garden, Your Life
Every great garden design starts with a conversation, and at Tom Wolstenholme Garden Design, we take this step seriously. We don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach, and that’s why understanding the occupancy of the property—the people who will live and interact with the garden on a daily basis—is a cornerstone of our design philosophy.
We begin by exploring how you plan to use your garden. Do you envision a peaceful space where you can relax after a long day, or are you looking for a vibrant setting for hosting family and friends? Is the garden meant to be a place for children to play and explore, or a private haven for personal reflection? The answers to these questions shape the framework of our designs, ensuring that each garden we create is functional and in harmony with the lifestyle of its users.
Our design approach also takes into account the practicalities of everyday life. Whether it’s creating low-maintenance spaces for busy families or integrating features like garden offices or outdoor kitchens, we work to ensure that every design reflects the specific needs and desires of the occupants. No two families or individuals are the same, and neither are the gardens we design.
Gathering Insight: The In-Depth Questionnaire
One of the key tools in our design process is our in-depth client questionnaire. This comprehensive document is designed to uncover the specific desires and needs of our clients, providing valuable insights that shape the concept design stage. The questionnaire covers everything from practical requirements to aesthetic preferences, helping us form a clear picture of what the ideal garden looks like for you.
Through this detailed questionnaire, we learn what features are important to you—whether that’s a water feature, a fire pit for evening gatherings, or an elegant patio for outdoor dining. We also explore your style preferences, such as whether you’re drawn to contemporary designs with clean lines, rustic natural spaces, or something in between. This not only helps us understand your vision but also ensures that every detail, from materials to plant selection, reflects your personal tastes.
The questionnaire also helps us uncover the hidden layers of what makes a garden special to you. Are there particular plants or colours that hold meaning for you? Do you have a specific memory or place you want your garden to evoke? These insights allow us to weave deeper significance into the design, creating spaces that feel personal and meaningful to you.
Concept Design: From Insight to Vision
Once we’ve gathered all the information we need, we move into the concept design stage. This is where your vision starts to take shape. Based on the brief we develop from our conversations and your responses to the questionnaire, we begin to craft the layout and structure of your garden.
At this stage, we think holistically about the flow of the garden—how the spaces connect, where key features are positioned, and how the overall design fits with your home and the surrounding landscape. We also take into account the seasonal aspects of the garden, ensuring that it offers year-round interest and enjoyment. Our aim is to create a garden that works in harmony with your daily life, offering different areas for different activities, whether it’s a sunny spot for morning coffee, a shaded nook for reading, or an open space for entertaining.
Our concept designs are flexible, evolving as we continue to collaborate with you. We encourage feedback at every step, as we believe the best gardens are created through a process of open dialogue and collaboration.
Designing with Purpose: More Than Just Looks
While aesthetics are important, we believe a successful garden design is about more than just how it looks—it’s about how it functions for you. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil retreat, a space for entertaining, or a garden that blends seamlessly with your daily routines, our designs are always rooted in the practical realities of how you will use the space.
We consider not just the immediate needs of our clients but how the garden will evolve over time. As your family grows or your interests change, we want your garden to remain a place that feels relevant and useful. This foresight ensures that our gardens aren’t just designed for today, but for the future as well.
The End Result: A Garden That Reflects You
At the heart of our approach to garden design is the belief that a garden should reflect the lives of the people who use it. By starting with a deep understanding of your needs and preferences, we create spaces that don’t just look beautiful but feel truly personal. Every garden we design is a unique response to the people who will occupy it, making it a place where you can live, relax, and connect with nature in a way that feels authentic to you.
Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful retreat, a vibrant entertaining space, or something in between, our approach ensures that your garden is more than just an addition to your home—it’s a true reflection of your lifestyle and personality; a space that’s perfectly tailored to you, your home, and your life.