Creating a spectacular show next spring involves plenty of preparation, so here is our list of essential autumn garden maintenance tasks. When vibrant greenery begins fading into golden hues, experienced gardeners in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire know that it is time to start getting busy. With the prospect of crisp mornings and blustery storms, the final
If you want to create a garden that works in harmony with nature, minimising environmental impact while maximising functionality, you need to consider sustainable gardening. In this article, garden designer Catherine Payne explores practical options for busy homeowners. What is sustainable gardening? According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the term sustainable gardening refers to
Garden pergolas are one of the most effective ways to add structure and purpose to your outdoor space. In this article, Catherine Payne, garden designer and founder of Flower & Stone, explores their many benefits, including how they can bring visual interest to an otherwise plain plot. What is the difference between a garden pergola
Creating a garden that delights both children and adults can be a challenge, so the experts at Flower & Stone have compiled the trending family garden ideas for 2025. Whether you have toddlers or teens, we hope you find inspiration for your outdoor space. While styles and fads come and go, the appeal of an
Bring a sense of tranquillity, movement and visual interest to your garden with these essential water feature ideas. Whether your outdoor space is an urban courtyard or a large country garden, there will be a water feature to suit your personal taste and property. As an experienced garden designer, I understand the benefits of being
Attractive outdoor spaces don’t happen by chance, and in this article we illuminate the importance of investing in garden lighting design. In our experience, lights are an often overlooked element when planning a garden, but they can transform a functional space into somewhere magical. Here are the key benefits of choosing professional garden lighting design…
Creating your dream outdoor space should be an exciting experience, but it could quickly become a nightmare without an accurate garden design budget. In this article, I explain the key factors you must consider to successfully turn your vision into a reality. Since I started Flower & Stone back in 2020, I have met plenty
Extensive building work had turned a large rural garden into a bare area of mud. The client asked me to design their dream country garden as a family-friendly space that was in keeping with the picturesque rural setting. Location: Radwell, Hertfordshire Size: 454 sq metres Aspect: west-facing, exposed rural setting Design time: two weeks The
Creating a beautiful outdoor space doesn’t require hours of weeding, pruning and mowing – discover our top six low-maintenance garden ideas. During my work as a garden designer, I often meet clients who are looking for a stylish space that suits their busy lifestyles. With this in mind, I have put together some of popular
When I begin the process of designing a garden, one of the most common questions from clients is “which is best: natural stone paving or porcelain paving?”. The truth is, each one has its own unique benefits - so to help you make the best choice for your outdoor space, let’s explore both materials. The
