Gardens and Inspiration

A private cottage garden

Sue wanted a cottage garden, and we worked closely to create it keeping some of the plants she already had. Landscapers installed a trellis and rose arch, stepping stones, and we layed a lawn and planted fruit trees, grasses and flowers. Sue said

'Thank you for all of your help with the garden Esther, it’s been a very enjoyable experience'

A Community Garden at Unit 12 CIC Winchester

Unit 12 Community Centre in Winnall, Winchester provides wonderful local services, running activities for children, dance for people in wheelchairs, a food and clothing pantry, a graffiti group, physiotherapy and many other activities. I was very pleased to be asked to design a garden which was completed in 2024.

We discussed a number of designs to fit the budget. Above ideas visualised with the computer, and below the garden in July constructed and planted in spring. It will take two or three years to mature. In September with volunteers from the Hampshire Chronicle, we tidied the garden (see Hampshire Chronicle article)

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Trellis with climbing plants to separate the garden and play area, which gives some tranquility but allows adults to keep an eye on the young people. A decorative pergola supports a grape vine and climbers with flowers and scent and there are apple trees. There are raised beds where community centre users have a great crops of broad beans, tomatoes and raspberries. Two curved beds with low maintenance plants to divide three separate seating areas, and the colourful planting will gradually grow up and give the seating areas privacy.

Gill, the Committee Chair, commented

'Esther communicates thoroughly at each stage of design. The raised beds allow

for more accessible height gardening in our community garden.

I graduated with a Diploma with Distinction in Garden Design at the internationally reputed Sparsholt College. The three year course was excellent, thorough and wide ranging.

Why Dean Garden Design? I wanted to celebrate my grandmother, Ruth Dean who designed gardens in the early 20th century.

Below lecturer Chris Bird holding our class Platinum Award , classmates Deb and Ben.

Photo Nigel Fox

My class won a Platinum awards for these 'Beautiful Borders in 2022 at the Gardeners World Spring Fair in Beaulieu, Hampshire. We worked with Maggie's Cancer Care in Southampton. Maggie's does great work supporting people and their families experiencing cancer.