About - philipbarnesgardendesign.com

MY BACKGROUND

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Gardening has been in my mind since I can remember, gardening at a young age helping with the family home and then given responsibility at an early age to take over the management of the garden. I remember the first time using a petrol mower and how that felt, it is my happy space, somewhere to feel content, inspired and challenged all at the same time.

My career has taken lots of turns but I have always come back to gardens.

Back in the late 1990’s I got hold of a Monty Don design your own garden CD rom, I didn’t really master it but went on to design a family garden from scratch and then did by General Exam in Hort at Hadlow College.

Two of my roles in the NT have been garden related, in 2023 I enrolled on a Garden Design Diploma at the EGS, I became friends with Rosemary Alexander and since then I have exhibited at the Royal Windsor Flower Show and started work on a private garden. Active in SGD and a cluster lead for the East Sussex region.

When I think about it this is the job I have always wanted to do, when I talk now about gardens it gives me the feeling I had when I first used that petrol mower, I want to share this passion and enthusiasm with new clients.

Recent years

MY VISION

To create inspirational gardens moulded by the landscape, the design is informed by its surroundings, history and materials. The design response balances these elements creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing garden which connects clients to an emotional resonance with both garden and landscape.

MY VALUES

- To create gardens that are unique to the client and surroundings.

- To always consider sense of place and ensure that any new design has a sense of permanency and fits in harmony with its surroundings.

- To always strive to deliver high quality and sophisticated gardens.

- To be honest, creative and work with rigour and attention to detail.

How I work

MY PHILOSOPHY.

A garden is another room in your home, it just happens to be outside. I see any garden design as an extension to how you might live in your home. Gardens can be used all year round despite the changing seasons, with careful design you can still provide a reason to venture out into the garden at any time of the year.

I want to help clients to feel a greater sense of connection with the outdoors and nature by making things simple and easy so it becomes effortless and as a result clients will fall in love with their gardens.

Every element of design is considered with nature in mind, from the materials used to the new and innovative sustainable habitats being created giving clients a sense of being part of something and playing their part.

The environment around us is changing and my philosophy is to adapt and evolve, choosing plant palettes that can withstand these changes and still thrive and look beautiful. Sustainability is a key focus in my designs, wanting to borrow the landscape and natural environments rather than create new elements that will not last over time.

In summary, if we look after nature, it will in turn look after us, my philosophy is grounded in this principle and my gardens reflect this spirit.

Working with Nature

Harmonising the inside with the outdoors

Creating a sense of calm and wellbeing

Creating moments of joy and intrigue