Landscaping
Effortless Elegance: Designing a Low-Maintenance Garden
Discover expert tips on designing a stunning low-maintenance garden. Learn about plant selection, hardscaping, and smart landscaping solutions for effortless outdoor beauty.
Maximising the Potential of a Sloped Site
Transform sloped sites into stunning, functional spaces with these essential do’s and don’ts. From managing trade-offs to prioritising drainage, discover expert advice from CGLA to make the most of your unique landscape.
Balancing Beauty and Budget in Luxury Garden Design
CGLA’s unique approach to luxury garden design blends aesthetic appeal with value engineering, offering clients breathtaking landscapes that maximise their investment. Discover how we make high-end gardens more achievable by balancing beauty with budget-conscious planning.
The Perfect Time to Plant Trees and Hedges: Your Complete Guide
Cooler weather means it’s the best time to plant trees and hedges! Discover our tips for DIY planting or get expert help for larger landscape projects.
Planning Permission for Garden Projects in the UK: What You Need to Know
Not all garden projects in the UK need planning permission, but certain structures and landscaping changes do. Learn the essentials to ensure your garden upgrades comply with local regulations.
What You Really Want to Know About Designing & Constructing a New Garden!
Wondering where to start with a new garden? We’ve got answers to the top questions about timing, budget, and design stages to help you plan the garden of your dreams!
Why Autumn is the Perfect Time to Design Your Dream Entertaining Garden
Autumn is the ideal time to plan your garden makeover! Discover 7 key design tips to create a stunning, functional outdoor space ready for year-round entertaining.
What has gone wrong with my box hedging?
Learn how to recognise and address box hedging problems caused by box blight and box caterpillar.
The benefits of replacing your box hedging
Find out how to replace box hedging with these fantastic options. Say goodbye to box blight and enjoy a beautiful garden.
Screening and hedging for your development project
Planning a development project? Consider the benefits of buying trees and hedging during the rootball season for a faster, cost-effective, and stunning result.
Top ways to screen your garden
Looking for ways to add privacy to your garden? Our experts share their top tips on screening, including hedging and screen tree planting.
Is Photinia Red Robin good for screening?
Discover the pros and cons of using Photinia Red Robin for screening. Find out why we don't recommend it and what we suggest instead.
Taking Control of Your Leylandii Hedge
Looking for solutions for your Leylandii hedge? Explore the pros and cons and learn what steps to take if your Leylandii hedge is out of control.
Best shade for your garden
Enhance your garden with the perfect shade solution. Discover why trees can provide a cooler and more cost-effective option compared to other structures.
What will it cost to create a level patio in a sloping garden?
Considering a level patio in your sloping garden? Learn about the costs involved in creating one and the factors to consider before making a decision.
Can my builder landscape my new build garden?
Discover if you need a separate landscaper for your newly built house and garden or if you can use the main contractor.
Can garden designers stick to a budget?
Discover how garden designers can stick to a budget without compromising on creativity. Learn valuable tips and tricks from industry experts.
Can I have a level lawn in my garden
Considering a level lawn in your garden? Explore the design principles involved in creating a versatile space for entertaining and play.
Chelsea Flower Show Highlights 2024
Chelsea Flower Show Highlights 2024 - A review of what a garden designer takes from the show by our CGLA design directors.
What does it cost to level a garden?
Discover the cost to level a garden and create a perfect outdoor space for football or entertaining. Get insights from industry experts.
Do I need a garden design to have landscaping work done?
Do you really need a garden design for landscaping? Learn about the advantages and pitfalls from a seasoned professional.
How much will it cost to design my garden?
Discover the cost of designing your dream garden. Get an idea of the likely price ranges and the work involved to make an informed decision.
How much will it cost to landscape my garden?
A deep dive into cost comparisons for design and landscaping including 5 examples.
Why Biodiversity Net Gain is Essential for Your New House Build Project
Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain for new homes: learn about the legal obligation and how it promotes biodiversity improvement.
How do I create a perfect outdoor entertaining space?
Get expert advice from our RHS gold-winning garden designer, on how to create the ideal outdoor entertaining space in your garden.
Indoor Outdoor Living Effect: Designing Your House and Garden
Explore the growing trend of indoor, outdoor living in architectural and landscaping designs. Create a seamless connection between your home and nature.
How do I make a Christmas Garden
Creating a Christmas Garden Extravaganza. Transform your outdoor space into a winter wonderland that will captivate the hearts of all who behold it.
How do I make sure it is not too hot with Bifold doors?
How do I make sure my living space is not too hot with Bifold doors? We look at how to make sure large bifold doors don't make for hot interiors!
How do I make a summer party garden?
How do I make a summer party garden? We look at how to make your dreams a reality by next summer.
Which bulbs should I choose for year round colour?
8 fantastic bulb collections to create year round colour, carefully curated by CGLA Director Ruth Marshall for Spring/Summer 2024
How to design your garden
We look at key steps and tips to consider for how to design your garden. Traditional, modern minimalist or rustic natural? All things to think about when defining your style. Be creative with help from our five top tips in garden design.
How can I make my garden individual
You might be wondering how to make your garden individual. Our owner Ruth Marshall reflects on how she approaches adding those personal touches
How can I add a water feature to my garden?
Learn how to incorporate a water feature in your garden and enhance its beauty while attracting wildlife and creating a serene environment.
How to make a wild garden without it being a wilderness
How to make a wild garden without it being a wilderness. Wild gardens the new trend in garden design, we looks at sustainability, manageability and usability in this new trend for 2023.
Biggest challenges in landscaping a garden
The biggest challenges in landscaping a garden. We look at the multiple aspects that stand in the way in creating your perfect outside space. Insights that help you navigate the journey to the garden you always dreamed of.
How to create an outdoor living space in your garden
Learn how to create an outdoor living space in your garden. Transform your outdoor space into a tranquil oasis for relaxation and entertaining.
How to landscape around your pool
Considering obstacles such as filters, safety and aesthetics, you might be wondering ‘how to landscape around your pool’. Whether you have an existing pool or are planning to install one, enhancing its surroundings with strategic landscaping can create a harmonious blend of nature and relaxation.
Is the Delphinium the most stunning flower for your garden?
As fitting for the Coronation we look at the history and popularity of King Charles favourite flower - The Delphinium
Why did I lose plants this winter and what to do about it
If you have suffered a higher than usual number of plant losses in your garden, read this article as to why and what to do about it.
Topiary and clipped shapes in garden design
A fantastic blog if you are looking for design inspiration for topiary and clipped shapes in your garden.
How to create a entertaining garden on a steep slope
A fantastic showcase of garden of a new build house, built into a steep slope behind and around the side of the property.
Saving money when landscaping new-build houses
A great read if you are interested in saving money when landscaping your new-build house
When should I get my garden designed for summer?
An honest account of the time you need to design and build your new garden, an essential review if you are planning a new garden for summer.
Enhance Your Garden with Stunning Water Features
A few tips from our award-winning garden design expert Ruth Marshall about water features and how and when to use them in your garden.
Exploring the Garden Design Process: Tips and Insights
Experience the excitement and challenges of the garden design process. Discover common themes that make it a positive experience.
Incorporating a Hot Tub into Your Garden Design
A great read for anyone considering incorporating a hot tub into their garden design. Guest blog from Glynn Pope at Hertfordshire Hot Tubs
Choosing the Right Outdoor Kitchen for Your Space
Explore the world of outdoor kitchens and find the perfect fit for your garden. Our experts look at the things to consider.
5 pitfalls to avoid when planning your garden
Our latest blog looks at what to avoid when designing your garden. An insightful look from an award winning designers perspective.
Landscaping the garden for a large house refurbishment
Discover how a well-designed large garden can enhance the beauty and functionality of your home. Get inspired by this stunning project.
Right Plant, Right place
Master the art of 'Right Plant, Right Place' gardening. Find out how to select plants that thrive in specific environments.
5 steps to your perfect garden design
Been following our articles on how to create your perfect garden? Find them all in one place here!
5 steps to your perfect garden design – step 5, pulling it all together
Step 5 - Detailing, budgeting and implementation. The final instalment in the how to design your garden feature which gives you all the technical know how to get your perfect garden built.
The Best Rose Varieties and How to Maintain Them
Learn about different types of roses and discover how to properly care for them. Find the perfect rose for your garden.
Spring Garden Inspiration: English Bluebells and Camassias
Taking spring garden inspiration from Devon, our own CEO - Ruth Marshall looks at hedgerows, bluebells and wild flower meadows with mown paths.
5 steps to your perfect garden design – step 4, Materials, Features and Magic
Step 4 - Materials, Features and Magic. A fantastic blog about how to add something unique and special to your garden. A must have read when you are looking for inspiration for your garden for summer.
Why does landscaping cost so much?
Discover the reasons why landscaping costs so much. Understand the hidden costs and offsite planning involved in garden design projects.
The Art of Visualising Designs for Garden Design Projects
Discover the best ways to visually interpret garden design ideas. Hand-drawn or computer graphics to present your vision to clients.
What is the Best Water Feature for Your Garden?
Find out the differences between fish ponds and water features. Make an informed decision on the best water feature for your garden.
5 Steps to your perfect garden design – Step 2, Defining the overall style
The second in a series of steps to help you design your dream garden. This blog looks at syles, what is important and how to define them.
Create your Dream Garden in 5 Simple Steps – Step 1 – The Plan
A step by step guide on how to create your dream garden, with plenty of inspiration and advice from award-winning garden designers.
Cool Gardens to CGLA – our Journey
It's been an amazing journey from designing small London gardens to being a firm of award winning highly artistic garden design and commercial landscape specialists.
Choosing the Right Hard Landscaping
Discover the best hard landscaping materials to achieve the perfect balance of textures and colours in your garden design.
What Sort of Water Feature to Use in My Garden
Enhance your garden with a stunning water feature. Discover different options and expert tips to create a magical oasis in your outdoor space.
Unveiling the Secrets: How to Design a Chelsea Show Garden
Discover the secrets of creating a stunning Chelsea show garden. From meticulous planning to finishing touches, learn how it's done.
The Importance of Collaboration: Garden Designer and Architect
Discover how garden designers and architects can work together seamlessly to create stunning outdoor spaces.
How The Budget Works
Landscaping typically costs significantly more than most of us expect – unless you are just looking at a planting upgrade, think of it as a major building project not a furnishing exercise.