Plan A Head Garden Designs

12/10/2026

After the hot summer we have had don't be fooled into thinking that from now on every plant you put into the ground has to be drought tolerant.

Yes, there will be full sun areas in your garden that will require a more careful selection of plant; ones that can cope with less water and thrive in free draining soil. But, what if these areas also have a compacted layer of clay sub soil and are prone to spells of flooding in wet winters ?

Lavenders, rosemary and agapanthus are all absolute sun lovers but hate sitting in wet soils that can rot or suffocate roots so whilst they are top choices for drought, they not so good for changeable soil conditions.

The good news is that there are plants that can cope with both situations; Iris sibirica, some hardy geranium and astrantia major to name a few. However, it is very important to do your research on particular cultivars or species as not all Anemone, Hosta or Phlox are as tolerant as others.

Incorporating soil improvers and/or mulches will do much to help retain moisture in the summer or improve drainage in the winter but choosing good, robust and resilient plants in the first instance will ensure a thriving and healthy garden.

05/10/2026

Another completed design from earlier this year.

The client had a small unused space leading down from the balcony which they just didn't know what to do with. Lots of level changes made the garden difficult to navigate with undefined borders around a tired lawn.

I designed a small paved area using limestone paving to brighten up the space and provide more seating opportunities. The lawn was discarded and lots of planting to soften and screen from the road. A glass balustrade modernised the garden and made the whole area feel bigger and more accessible.

'Absolutely thrilled with the beautiful colourful garden Jo has created for us, we love it. Didn't think it possible to create such an idyllic spot in our tiny patch. Thank you Jo, we're so pleased with the layout & plant design.'

02/10/2026

I'm still enjoying the odd water lily on my wildlife pond.

It's time for me to get in and clear out some of the pond w**d now that the wildlife has stopped breeding but the sun on the vibrant green is just so pretty.

I won't take much out as its only a small pond but what I do remove I will leave next to the pond for a day or so to allow wildlife to crawl back in.

01/10/2026

At Plan A Head Garden Design we make beautiful, functional gardens accessible and affordable.

Whether you want a serene place to escape or a lively, outdoor entertainment space, I can guide you through the design process with a friendly informal approach - turning your vision into a reality

Providing a flexible service Plan A Head Gardens can work on a design only basis or help through the implemention process, sourcing reliable and reputable landscapers or Project Managing your whole project from start to finish.

Call me for more details

29/09/2026

A small selection of the bulbs I need to get in over the coming weeks.

Just need some more rain to make the ground softer and the work easier ....

25/09/2026

A quick trip to RHS Wisley last week showed there is still plenty of colour to be enjoyed in the garden if you plan your borders carefully.

Both the mixed borders and Oudolf landscape looked absolutely stunning in the autumn sunshine.

There is always something new and exciting to see every visit to Wisley. The Colchicum 'Pink Star' looked stunning providing a flash of bright pink joy in an otherwise insignificant patch of lawn.

21/09/2026

THINKING ABOUT GETTING YOUR GARDEN DESIGNED AND LANDSCAPED FOR NEXT YEAR ?
.. please please allow plenty of time to work through the process and start moving things forward now !

Every year I work with clients who call me in February/March who believe they can complete the design process from conception to completion in time for a lovely new garden at the beginning of summer.

The reality is that you will probably want to spend a couple of weeks choosing a designer (hopefully you have met several); allow them 4-5 weeks as a minimum to get creative and a couple more weeks to make amends. That's before, getting quotes, booking in a landscaper (who is probably booked up at least 8 weeks in advance) and the actual implementation of the design.

Bearing all that in mind and with the wind following; design to gin and tonic on a new patio will take around 5 months.

Don't be one of the many disappointed clients I talk to each year.... start now before Christmas and all will be well. You will have time on your side to make careful, considered decisions that will enable you to achieve the garden of your dreams.

Oh, and you will also enjoy the focus of a less stressed Garden Designer .... 😂😀

14/09/2026

The weather has cooled down, the rain is drizzling, the soil is still warm ..... it can only mean one thing.

IT'S THE PERFECT TIME TO GET PLANTING !!!!

Whilst traditionally autumn has always been targeted as the best time to plant shrubs and trees, there are good incentives to plant up perennials at this time too;

- The soil is still warm from the summer heat which encourages fast root growth.
- Frequent autumn rain reduces the need for manual watering
- Cooler temperatures protects the plants from the stress of summer scorch and heat
- There are significantly less pests and diseases around in autumn
- Roots can establish in autumn which mean plants can burst into rapid growth in spring

08/09/2026

A sad day as I don't think I know one person who doesn't love the legend that is Monty....

But who will replace him ?

A bit of a curve ball from me but I would like to see Will Young take over. If you don't follow him on social media then give him a go; honest, funny and extraordinarily open with his gardening success and failures.

Anyone with me on this ?

The presenter said it had been "deeply rewarding" but added that "now is the right time for a change".

06/09/2026

One that I haven't got round to showcasing yet ....

This garden had been landscaped many years ago and planted up with shrubs that were starting to look tired and past their best. Along with the addition of an extension across the back of the house and a large block paved area, the garden looked visually dated and out of proportion.

By reducing a large part of the patio down by around 1m in depth I was able to keep a big usable section in situ and create two other seating areas around the garden. These were positioned on a 45 degree angle to make the garden appear wider and longer with pathways leading to each area.

I was able to keep the centre piece Magnolia tree which the client loves and create new triangular beds around the garden to ensure that planting space wasn't compromised.

A new outdoor kitchen workspace was added in, a pergola to create shade in this very hot south facing space and a row of standard Prunus Lusiticana trees along the back fence for screening and long term privacy.

Soft lighting throughout the garden finished off the space which can (and has been) enjoyed all summer long.

Once again many thanks to landscape and Design for a great job implementing this design