12/08/2026
The Diary of a Garden Designer
Irrigation: More Than Just Water
Today was all about fine-tuning an irrigation system. It’s easy to think watering a garden is simply a case of turning on the irrigation, but every garden has its own unique balance.
Soil type, sun exposure, prevailing winds, and the needs of individual plants all have to be considered. Some plants thrive with very little water, while others need consistent moisture.
Getting that balance right means healthier plants, less wasted water, and a garden that’s better prepared for increasingly unpredictable weather.
Designing a Wildlife Pond
A large part of the day was spent preparing a client specification for a wildlife pond. This isn’t just about digging a hole and filling it with water — it’s about creating a habitat that will support nature for years to come.
The work included detailed drawings, following recognised good-practice principles, and producing a buying guide so the client knows exactly what’s needed to build a thriving, natural pond that attracts everything from dragonflies to frogs.
Exploring New Technology
One of the most enjoyable parts of running a modern design business is keeping up with new technology.
I spent some time exploring a new feature that’s recently been added to software I already use. If it performs as promised, it could improve the way I present designs, communicate with clients, and streamline parts of the design process.
Investing time in learning new tools is all part of continually improving the service we offer.
The Business Behind the Gardens
Not every day is spent designing beautiful gardens. Like every small business owner, there’s a steady stream of administration that keeps everything running smoothly.
Quotes, invoices, supplier orders, emails, scheduling, accounts, and planning all happen behind the scenes. It’s rarely the glamorous side of the job, but it’s essential.
Good administration allows projects to run efficiently and gives clients confidence that every detail is being looked after.
