Hine Garden Design

Hine Garden Design Designing gardens that feel part of your home and enhance your lifestyle
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20/08/2026

A comfortable space for dining.

When designing this space we could have felt limited by the size of the garden, however this would have done the garden a disservice, emphasizing the challenge of a smaller space. Instead this became an opportunity to create a generous area for socialising and dining that doesn't feel cramped, and instead, celebrated this primary function of the garden.

Having visitors and being able to pull out your dining table to the centre of the space, fosters a convivial environment where you, and your guests, want to spend time. Where you don't feel cramped and 'in the way'- not the vibe! This allows you and your fellow diners to relax into the space, to get your drinks out to you (yes please! 🥂), or simply move about the space.

So don't be afraid to give yourself the space to use your garden as effectively and comfortably as you can, after all it is there to be enjoyed with family and friends. 🥂

Few books stay with you for years. This is one of them for me.I first read The Last Lecture when I was 19 on a solo trip...
19/08/2026

Few books stay with you for years. This is one of them for me.

I first read The Last Lecture when I was 19 on a solo trip to Canada and I decided to pick it up again (same copy) on my recent return.

It's a relatively short read (phew!), but one that, for me, continues to leave a lasting impression.

Written by Randy Pausch, a university lecturer who was facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, the book is built around the final lecture he was asked to give as part of a long-standing American tradition. Lecturers are invited to imagine they are giving their last talk and share the lessons, values and ideas they would most want to be remembered for.

His talk "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" was intended as a legacy for his wife and children, filled with wisdom, humour and a powerful perspective on how to live life well. (I am positive they will have) I would say that the original audience scope grew considerably, to put it lightly, that I, and no doubt many more, have much to thank him for.

There is, somewhere a recording of the the talk- have you read the book or watched the recording? Have you any thoughts on what you might want to be remembered for?

It may not look like much, but to your local wildlife, it's a lifeline. 💧With the recent dry weather, the gardening team...
18/08/2026

It may not look like much, but to your local wildlife, it's a lifeline. 💧

With the recent dry weather, the gardening team have been out and about installing temporary wildlife water stations in gardens where little, or no, suitable water source exists.

The beauty of these water points is their simplicity. A sturdy plastic tray, a ramp to provide a safe escape route, and a carefully placed rock that not only offers a perch for insects but also helps keep the ramp securely in place.

Just as importantly, the trays are partially sunk into the ground to create easier access for wildlife of all sizes, from insects and amphibians to hedgehogs and other small mammals.

It may look simple, but a well positioned water source can make a real difference when natural supplies are limited, creating a garden that's welcoming and accessible to wildlife. 🦔🐝💧

Would you like me to do a 'how to' video?

17/08/2026

Let's talk about water. 💧

With high temperatures, drought like conditions and regional hosepipe bans the wildlife in your garden will be struggling.

If you have a pond that is drying out or a bird bath that needs topping up keep an eye on them. Make sure you are keeping the water levels where they need to be. This can be tricky if you are one of the regions with a hosepipe ban in place but you can certainly use a watering can. More labour intensive but just as effective.

Whilst we are on the topic of wildlife let's talk about hygiene, most importantly congregation points such as your bird feeder, bird bath or water stations.

The opportunity for pests and diseases to contaminate the space are unfortunately high, so it is paramount that we take that responsibility seriously. Wash out your bird feeding stations and baths. Then disinfect them with a garden disinfectant such as Jeyes Fluid. Jeyes Fluid is a well established garden disinfectant and on the back of the tin will be comprehensive details on how to dilute it and use it effectively.

The wildlife in your garden will really appreciate it!

Let us know in the comments how you are supporting wildlife in your garden 👇

14/08/2026

I thought I would talk to you about some of the corten elements in this garden.

In this garden we have these three wonderful cylindrical pots. They are bespoke sizes. Along with a striking bespoke long planter.

So why use corten for your raised bed?

Well the great thing about this is you can have a raised bed without the thickness of a brick taking up space which in a tight space can have a big impact, which means... more plants- Huzzah!

The corten (or really any metal / GRP planter) is around 3mm thick so you can get a 60cm bed in that is only 60cm deep, that doesn't take up more space in a tight garden, whereas, if you want the same with brick you have to have around 70-100mm (10cm) either side for the brick width.

In this garden it also compliments those moody russet tones. Its tactile, and the rusty effect helps to make the garden feel settled, aged- as though its been there for in place for years, not weeks.

A subtle design choice that can make a big impact.

This and that from my recent trip to Canada 🍁📸1. Taking a moment during a visit to the family home built by my Great Gre...
13/08/2026

This and that from my recent trip to Canada 🍁

📸

1. Taking a moment during a visit to the family home built by my Great Great Grandfather
2. Beautiful Canada- Vancouver Island 💚
3. Adirondack chairs ready to relax in at a gloriously tranquil spot. The Adirondack chair was invented in 1903 by Thomas Lee in New York. He designed the comfortable, sloped wooden seat for his summer home in the Adirondack Mountains hence the name.
4. 11 mile trestle bridges walk to see a waterfall (which turned out to be dry 😅)
5. Dinosaur full of gnomes at the Stonehouse pub. A bit kooky but fun!
6. 'Moose' the local deer on Pender Island
7. Tip top treats at The Empress Hotel. A famous hotel in Victoria. Fun fact - my family used to own the land that it was on. It was originally home to a soap factory, later expanding into the British America Paint Company. Look up the Pendray family online to find out more. 🤓
8. Pendray House - Stained glass window bearing the initials of my Great Great Great Grandfather
9. Deep Cove Chalet - Not just great food but fabulous gardens too

Moments and memories to last a lifetime...

PS I may not have the number of 'Greats' entirely correct, forgive me Grandpa's! 😅

10/08/2026

I wanted to speak breifly on the value of adjusting your planting heights in a small space, or creating horizontal layers in the vertical plane.

In this garden we have ground level planting and then we go up by 45cm, then 60cm and further up to 75cm, hidden at the back well also have some tall hedging and walls covered in climbers.

Bringing the planting to eye height, playing with levels, has the consiquence that you are not always looking down at the ground for your planting. Often if you are looking at the ground your boundaries are fully exposed, which can feel a little oppressive.

If you break up the view of your boundaries by bringing the plants up to eye level and layering your planting, then the space starts to feel a little less sparse, a little less stark and far more interesting and perhaps a little more luxurious and setteled.

This is the secret to creating a garden that feels layered and inviting in a garden where space is at a premium. Will you be introducing it into your garden?

06/08/2026

I wanted to take a moment and observe this view...

A composed and thoughtfully designed garden creates views worth pausing for, even when you are experiencing the space through a window. Framing the landscape, the moments beyond the glass.

Key to the view from your window is the year-round approach- often gardens can die back in the winter, but this one with all its evergreen hedging, shrubs and textural planting along with its feature fireplace, gives you a splendid view throughout the year even went it is simply too cold to step outside.

What do you see through your window?

A snapshot of our most recent work👇📸1. A steam room steep in nature for a natural retreat in the understory of some mat...
05/08/2026

A snapshot of our most recent work👇

📸

1. A steam room steep in nature for a natural retreat in the understory of some mature trees
2. Occasional seating on a poolside low wall peppered with gorgeous planting
3. A luxuriant entraining pool garden space with area to sit and relax with friends and family
4. Outdoor Shower for a quick cool down between the outdoor steam room and Pool Garden
5. Spring blooms making their way into early summer with evergreen textural foliage
6. A destination Outdoor Fireplace providing a focal point in the garden and from the window

Which garden moment is your favourite?

03/08/2026

The colour black is an interesting choice 🖤

But as you can see, far from making a space feel smaller or darker, black fencing can create an understated backdrop that allows planting, textures and architectural details to take centre stage.

Rich greens appear more vibrant, seasonal colour stands out against the backdrop, and the boundary itself quietly fades into the background rather than competing for attention.

I suppose what I am saying is don't to be afraid of the dark colours for your fences and details. I encourage you to consider these colour choices when designing your garden as they truly allow the boundaries to step back and bring your garden itself into the spotlight.

Have I converted you to the 'dark side'?

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