Elks-Smith Landscape Design

Garden designers often talk about a garden 'having good bones' or a strong framework. At this time of year when the days are short, the light is low and many plants have died back you can really get a sense of the frame of the garden and understand quite how important plant shape and form is. This photo was taken on a revisit to our large country garden project in the New Forest where the dining terrace and reflective pond are enveloped in richly planted mixed borders. #winter #diningterrace #gardendesign #newforest #newforestgarden

​I love the Autumn colour palette. A joyful collection of rich, earthy​, warm and golden tones. Pictured here is a glorious swathe of Veronicastrum seedheads​, catching the light and turning a rich ginger​ colour. #Veronicastrum #seedheads​ #autumn #autumncolour

I recently incorporated a rain chain into a garden design in Poole - a beautiful yet functional element that adds so much character to a garden. Designed to channel rainwater from the roof to a gravel bed, it not only supports sustainable drainage but also creates a sculptural focal point and soothing water sounds. As garden designers, we have the chance to integrate sustainability into aesthetics, finding innovative ways to celebrate natural elements like water. This rain chain is a perfect example of how thoughtful details can transform a garden into a space that’s both practical and inspiring. #RainChain #GardenDesign #SustainableGardening #WaterFeature #GardenDesignPoole

There’s nothing quite like revisiting a garden after some time has passed to see how it has matured and evolved. It’s a chance to reflect on the original design, observe how the planting has developed, and make adjustments to ensure the garden continues to thrive and delight. Every garden tells a story, and watching it unfold is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a garden designer. Revisiting these spaces reminds me that gardens are never static—they grow, adapt, and respond to the environment and the people who enjoy them. #GardenDesign #GardenDesignPoole #GardensbytheSea#PlantingDesign #GardenGrowth #SustainableLandscapes

More images of our Lymington Garden, coming alive this week with the rich textures and vibrant hues of autumn. Designed as a year-round retreat, the garden blends a contemporary twist with classic English elegance. Manicured lawns and Yorkstone terraces are softened by layers of ornamental grasses and perennials that tansition beautifully through the seasons. Lovely to catch it on such a bright, crisp day. #autumncolour #lymingtongarden #gardensbythesea #gardendesignlymington

Enjoying the seasons. We created densely planted flowerbeds around our clients house in Lymington, using oversized topiary to balance out the height of the house and a mix of grasses and perennials to add texture and colour across the seasons. Pictured here the approach to the house in Autumn and summer. #Lymington #Autumncolour #grass

Introducing Meuhlenbeckia complexa.  Although this delicate-looking plant is primarily grown for its foliage, it does produce tiny green-white flowers in summer and fruits in autumn. We chose it as a climber for a coastal plot in Poole, where it scrambles up a bespoke garden boundary, but you can also grow it as ground cover or even in a pot. It's perfect for adding textural interest to a garden or playing with masses and voids in a scheme. #Meuhlenbeckiacomplexa #climber  #coastal #coastalgardens #texture #poole #groundcover

It's the cream coloured margin on the evergreen leaves of Carex 'Ice Dance' that gives it a certain sparkle at this time of year. Pictured here with a scattering of fallen Acer leaves, it a classic autumn scene. #autumn #acer #fallenleaves #carex #sedge

Meet my newest helper Hetty! She's full of energy and enthusiasm, but we're still working on the whole "leave the seed heads for the birds and winter interest" thing! Here's hoping she'll catch on soon....or maybe she's just adding her own twist to garden design! #newpuppy #gardenhelper #wintergarden #seedheadsforbirds #winterinterest

We've updated our website with some of our most recent projects, including this coastal garden overlooking Poole Harbour.  The project reimagines a family home with a contemporary design, seamlessly blending it with its stunning surroundings. Using Purbeck stone, the garden is firmly anchored in its coastal setting, looking out to the breathtaking Purbeck Hills.   Completed in Spring 2023 the planting is still finding its feet, but the intricate hardscape design is already taking centre stage. Every detail was thoughtfully considered to create a space that complements the natural beauty of its location while serving as a tranquil retreat for the family.   Head to the website to explore this project and others and let me know what you think! Link in our bio.  #CoastalGardenDesign #LandscapeDesign #PooleHarbourgarden #PurbeckStone #OutdoorLiving #ContemporaryDesign #Gardendesigner

One of the most rewarding parts of garden design is seeing how landscapes evolve over time. In a recent project in Buckinghamshire, we extended the planting with a mix of native and non-native meadow species to create a stunning wildflower meadow that has already started to transform the space into a haven for both people and wildlife. These additions not only bring a rich tapestry of colour and texture but also create vital habitats for pollinators and other essential insects. Wildflower meadows hold a unique beauty, balancing effortless charm with ecological significance. They’re a perfect example of how thoughtful planting can elevate a garden visually while fostering biodiversity. It’s been wonderful to watch the meadow flourish, and I can’t wait to see how it matures over the coming seasons. #WildflowerMeadow #GardenDesign #PollinatorFriendly #SustainableGardens #Biodiversity #NatureInDesign #LandscapeDesign

The Big Reveal! Hedges and trees, whether clipped or left loose to create more organic garden boundaries, offer fantastic habitats for birds. At this time of year it’s fascinating to see evidence of their activities over the course of the year. Not all my hedges and trees have revealed the secrets of their inner lives yet, some are evergreen and some are yet to lose their leaves, but the current tally for bird’s nests is hedges: 3, and as you might expect fences: 0. Fences are such sterile boundary treatments for the garden. If you have the choice, do opt for a more sustainable and sensitive approach to support visiting wildlife. What’s your nest count this year? #biodiversity #birdnest #birdlife #gardenboundary