Garden Design Through Doing

When it comes to creating the perfect garden, there’s often a tension between meticulous planning and allowing for the magic of spontaneous creativity to guide the process. As a garden designer with both a diploma and degree in horticulture and Fine Art, I firmly believe that the best designs don’t always come from static plans or rigid drawings. Sometimes, the most breathtaking elements are born from the act of doing, not just planning.

At Chew Gardens, we may focus on Garden Design Through Doing—an approach where creativity takes center stage and evolves naturally throughout the design and build process.

The Power of Spontaneity in Garden Design

Traditional garden design often starts with a clear blueprint, a vision that’s set in stone before a single plant is put in the ground. However, when it comes to developing a garden that feels both beautiful and organic, spontaneity can sometimes lead to the most unique and unexpected results.

I’ve found that some of the most visually striking elements of a garden aren’t necessarily on the original design. They might come from an idea that surfaces in the moment, inspired by the existing space, the textures, or even the plants that you stumble upon along the way.

For instance, while planning the layout of a garden, I might see a certain combination of plants that works better than expected, or perhaps a particular rock formation inspires a new path. It's those moments of inspiration—often unplanned—that can turn a simple garden into a work of art.

Why "Doing" Makes the Difference

As a garden designer with experience and qualifications, my training allows me to understand the science and structure of garden planning, but it also gives me the confidence to make on-the-spot decisions that might initially seem out of the ordinary. My professional background helps me make intuitive design choices based on aesthetics, functionality, and the natural flow of the space.

When I design a garden, I always encourage an interactive process. It’s not just about handing over a design plan and stepping away. Rather, I work with my clients through every phase, listening to their desires while also responding to the unique characteristics of their garden.

Sometimes, a vision only becomes clear once you’re standing in the space. This hands-on approach allows the garden to evolve organically, with design elements being shaped by the very environment they’re created in.

Letting Nature Guide the Way

Incorporating spontaneous design elements also allows the garden to reflect its surroundings. Nature itself can guide the process, whether it’s working with the natural slope of the land, the light and shade patterns throughout the day, or the native plant species that are best suited for the area. These elements can’t always be predicted on paper, but once you're in the garden, you begin to see what works and what needs to change.

I’ve seen gardens evolve in ways I could have never predicted, with the results being stunningly beautiful and uniquely suited to the space. And that’s where the beauty of the “doing” approach lies—your garden becomes more than just a design; it becomes an ongoing creation, shaped by time, place, and the hands that work on it.

Creating Your Dream Garden, Together

At Chew Gardens, I approach every project with the mindset that a garden is a living, breathing entity. It’s a space that should adapt, change, and grow over time. The process of designing a garden is about being open to these changes, embracing the beauty of spontaneity, and letting the creative process unfold naturally.

Whether you have a clear vision in mind or you’re open to letting the space evolve as we go, my job as a garden designer is to guide that transformation—turning a plot of land into something beautiful, functional, and entirely your own. From initial sketches to the final planting, Garden Design Through Doing is all about collaboration, creativity, and the joy of watching your garden come to life.

If you're ready to create a garden that reflects your personal style and the unique qualities of your space, I’d love to work with you.

Contact Chew Gardens today to schedule a consultation and start your garden transformation.