Alford Landscapes

Alford Landscapes Timeless style, refined craftsmanship - we’re here to help you live your best life, outside.

We have finally had some rain - here in the South West at least - and although the height of summer heat has passed I am...
06/09/2026

We have finally had some rain - here in the South West at least - and although the height of summer heat has passed I am still out gardening in a t- shirt and shorts.

Autumn is a great time to be planting. In fact, I would go so far as to say it is the best time of year - if the garden is ready to receive it.

The soil is still holding onto summer warmth which means the plans can put down roots. The autumnal rains prevent them from getting stressed while establishing making for stronger 💪, resilient plant.

So, when they wake up out of dormancy next spring, all the hard work has been done already and they can put as much foliage and flower on as their hearts desire - making for a much healthier and fuller looking garden from the get- go 🌿🌸🪷.

We have finally had some rain - here in the South West at least - and although the height of summer has passed I am stil...
06/09/2026

We have finally had some rain - here in the South West at least - and although the height of summer has passed I am still out gardening in T- shirts and shorts.

This is a great time of year to be thinking about plants and planting. In fact, I would go as far to say it’s the best time of year to be planting, providing the garden is ready to receive them.

The soil is still holding the warmth, which gives new plants the opportunity to bed in and get some roots down. The autumnal rain means there is more reliable moisture so the plants do not get stressed when establishing - which makes them stronger 💪 and more resilient.

So, then spring when they wake up out dormancy, all the hard work of establishing has been done so they can put in as must foliage and flower as their heart desires - making a much fuller display and a healthier garden early on🪷🌸🌿.

03/09/2026

I know quite a few of you would agree that there is more to a garden than when it’s in flower.

At this time of year, the flowers move over to seed heads and structural stems. Their different shapes hold the morning dew, while spider webs form between them.

It becomes a tapestry — not of colour, but of form.
I find there is a different kind of abundance here, and that is what I was looking for in the scheme.

I live in a small terraced cottage on a street where most people have driveways in their front gardens, so I wanted something that felt abundant — something to counter all the tarmac and grey 😂.

Last autumn, when I covered my lawn in 6mm dust aggregate and started choosing the plants, my first criteria was that they needed to enjoy free-draining soil. But I also asked myself another question:

What do they look like after flowering? What is their shape and character?

I learned to think this way by reading and studying Piet Oudolf’s method.

He principally chooses plants for his schemes based on their form after flowering, which he regards as more important because flowering only occurs for such a short space of time during the year.

And now, standing in my small garden I enjoy its seasonality.

I will certainly be getting in there over the next few weeks and will be shifting a few things around - as a gardeners work is never done, but I am pleased how it has shifted nicely from one season to the next. 🌱

A few perspective views from one of my recent 3D garden models.I build the model in Vectorworks at full scale (1:1), whi...
16/07/2026

A few perspective views from one of my recent 3D garden models.

I build the model in Vectorworks at full scale (1:1), which means it’s much more than a way of creating beautiful images - though it’s part of my favourite bit. From the same model I can produce plans, sections, planting schedules, material take-offs and lighting studies.

For the visuals themselves, I start with Vectorworks’ built-in rendering, make a few refinements in Photoshop, and then use AI to help create the atmosphere and style I’m looking for.

I used to wonder whether using AI somehow took away from the skill involved, but I’ve come to see it as simply another tool. The design, modelling and technical work are still created by me—AI just helps communicate the ideas more quickly and gives clients a better feel for the finished space.

Being able to update visuals quickly also makes it much easier to explore design ideas and share revisions throughout the design process.

Sometimes, less really is more.These are some early design ideas for a swimming pool area in a rural garden, nestled amo...
05/07/2026

Sometimes, less really is more.

These are some early design ideas for a swimming pool area in a rural garden, nestled amongst mature trees and woodland.

The brief is to transform what is currently a simple, level lawn into a space that incorporates a swimming pool and sauna, while respecting the surrounding landscape.

In the right setting, I believe a swimming pool can be a feature in its own right. There’s something timeless about crisp, clean, architectural lines set within a generous expanse of lawn.

Introducing large topiary domes adds rhythm, structure and sculptural interest without distracting from the simplicity of the design. The result is a calm, minimalist space designed for swimming, enjoying the sauna, relaxing with a cold drink, and simply unwinding.

Sometimes the most restrained designs create the greatest sense of escape

A few of the key materials we recently used in a classic country garden makeover.We carefully paired the granite of the ...
22/06/2026

A few of the key materials we recently used in a classic country garden makeover.

We carefully paired the granite of the house with limestone paving and setts

For the main patio, we chose a larger-format limestone paving. The house already features beautifully detailed granite stonework, so we wanted the paving to provide a calmer backdrop rather than compete with those existing architectural details.

To add interest and definition, we contrasted the larger paving with more intricate block paving, helping to break up the space while maintaining a cohesive look.

We also incorporated feature steps and a beautiful
self-binding gravel. It was the first time I had worked with this material, and I was genuinely impressed. I haven’t found that we carrying the fines into the house or into the rest of the garden.

The natural finish sits perfectly within a country garden setting and I think it’s a good economical version to paving.

I hope you like the choices and have found the options provided here helpful for inspiration.

Credits:

Supply:
Lowarth Landscaping Supply UK Ltd
Allgreen

Install:
Harry from Cornwall Construction & Landscaping

01/06/2026

From past projects to recent transformations 🌿✨

These are the seasons we wait for—late spring, summer, and autumn.

Here’s to beautiful gardens, fresh ideas, and time enjoying the garden, as well as building and tending to them.

spring

29/05/2026

Wishing everyone a fantastic weekend ☀️✨.

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Redruth
Truro
TR15

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