Insights
At CGLA, we believe that exceptional garden design is built on a foundation of expertise, creativity, and a deep understanding of the landscape. Our Insights section is a dedicated resource where we share industry-leading knowledge, design philosophy, and expert perspectives on landscape architecture and garden design.
Covering key themes in luxury garden design and landscaping, we explore:
- Design Inspiration & Innovation – A strategic approach to contemporary gardens, sloped sites, and the seamless integration of architecture and landscape.
- New Build Gardens – How expertly crafted landscape design enhances and complements modern homes.
- Sustainability & Stewardship – Resilient landscape solutions, from water-conscious planting to regenerative garden design.
- Refined Outdoor Living – Insights into materials, planting palettes, and the design details that define sophisticated outdoor spaces.
For those seeking expert guidance and inspiration in landscape architecture and garden design, explore our latest articles:
Pinned posts
Mentoring The New Generation – Eridona
This January we invited an work experience placement into CGLA. Eridona Kurtaj is studying Architecture and Environmental Design at the University of Westminster and joined us to gain some valuable hands on experience in Landscape Architecture.
Mentoring The New Generation
This summer we invited an intern into CGLA. Izabela Dima is studying Architecture and Environmental Design at the University of Westminster and joined us to gain some valuable hands on experience in Landscape Architecture.
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.
Meet The Team
We realised that these days, when we are getting out and about much less, it would be a great idea to briefly profile each of the team to share something more about them.
Right Plant, Right place
Master the art of 'Right Plant, Right Place' gardening. Find out how to select plants that thrive in specific environments.
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.
Environmental Design and Principles of Building Physics
On December 8th and December 10th, CGLA Head of Design Eike Selby was invited by the University of Westminster School of Architecture & Cities as guest critic for the end of term presentations by 2nd year BSc Architure and Environmental Design students
CPD: What Is Landscape
Eike Selby our Head of Design held an internal lecture to the design team discussing “What is Landscape” challenging the common held perceptions of landscape architecture as a profession and how we should strive to break convention.
CPD: Conceptualisation and Abstraction
As part of our ongoing professional development, Eike Selby our Head of Design held a two part internal design workshop challenging the design team to think conceptually through abstraction, extrapolation and representation.
Workshop: Sensing the Environment
On site sketching is more than just an observational exercise. What we try and capture when we sketch should be more emotive and an exercise in deconstructing the essence of a space. Exploring juxtapositions, contrasts, light and shadow. Our Head of Design Eike Selby was invited to lead a series of on-site workshops teaching architectural students how to perceive their environments.
CPD: Landscape Architecture Between Assemblage & Morphosis
A very engaging and inspirational CPD with Cristina Morbi, Creative Director of DeThUn, discussing conceptual thinking and how we can imagine new ways of designing landscapes, not just as a series of patterns, shapes and objects, but more as a transition of spaces in time.
CPD: Environmental Design, Urban Microclimates
A very eye opening and informative CPD by Mehrdad Borna, Design Studio Leader, School of Architecture & Cities from the University of Westminster on Urban Microclimates, the first in a series of our Environmental Design CPD sessions planned for this year. This will help us truly understand the way we approach our designs, with environmental and sustainable principles becoming the core driving factors together with our unique conceptual design process.
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 Landscape?
To be a successful Landscape Architect you have to challenge perceptions and break conventions - check out our latest blog asking the question "what is Landscape?"
A Cultural Melting Pot
A blog from our Head of Design giving an insight into the world of Landscape Architecture as a discipline and how it is more encompassing, bridging art, science and engineering, mediating between technology, nature and culture.
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.
Where Do Experts Start with Garden Design
Discover the expert process of garden design. Gain insights into creating concept designs for gardens and urban spaces.
How to Water a Garden Properly
Discover the secrets to successful garden watering. From understanding your plants' needs to managing water levels, we've got you covered.
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.
Transform Your Garden with the Best Plants
Whether you prefer vibrant colours or a calm oasis, we can help you choose the best plants and trees to achieve your dream garden.
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.
The Design Process
A design process can vary widely between a large or complex project or something more simple, but it will typically be completed in stages, with the amount of time and detail spent on each tailored to meet your needs and aspirations.
Choosing a Garden Designer: What You Need to Know
Looking for a garden designer? Learn how to choose the right one who can capture your vision and create a beautiful outdoor space.
