Making Your Garden an Extension of Your Home
I know just how important it is for your garden to feel like a true extension of your home. This is where unforgettable moments are shared, whether that’s enjoying a morning coffee in the sun, laughter around the barbecue, or simply unwinding after a busy day. At Gardens of Distinction, helping you design and build an outdoor space that blends beauty with functionality is what we do best. And two key ingredients in every memorable garden? Thoughtful planting schemes and perfectly planned seating areas.
Why Planting Schemes Matter More Than You Think
As garden designers, we see planting as the soul of every landscape. The right plants not only set the mood but also ensure your garden has colour, texture, and fragrance throughout the year. Unfortunately, many people pop to the garden centre, pick what looks appealing, and find their new plants wilt within weeks. The secret isn’t just picking pretty blooms—it’s strategy.
First, not every plant thrives everywhere. Understanding your garden’s microclimate is essential. Have you ever chosen a beautiful perennial, only to find it struggling in a shady corner? Or planted something sun-loving in a spot that barely gets any light? Soil type, aspect, and even sheltered corners or exposed spots play a massive role in a plant’s success.
This is why our planting schemes are tailored. For each border or bed, I select varieties matched perfectly to your garden’s unique conditions, drawing from years spent working on gardens across Coventry, Leamington Spa, the Cotswolds, and further afield.
We seek out plants from reputable suppliers, specifically those awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, so you can be confident your favourites will thrive through the British winter. The result? Your garden remains engaging and beautiful—come rain, shine, or the unpredictable in-between.
Creating Lasting Appeal: Plant Choices for Year-Round Interest
A well-designed planting scheme ensures that, whether you’re enjoying a summer lunch outdoors or admiring frosted grasses from your kitchen, there’s always something to catch the eye. I love weaving together a mix of contemporary grasses, herbaceous perennials planted in repeating drifts, and structure-giving evergreens.
Evergreen shrubs play a starring role for year-round structure and a contemporary feel, while seasonal highlights such as tulip borders, lavender beds, and fragrant roses delight the senses. For wildlife and year-round interest, I often recommend matrix planting—allowing plants to intermingle and form naturalistic, low-maintenance but stunning displays.
If you’re not sure where to begin with your own planting, our planting schemes are a practical way to keep your garden looking polished and vibrant throughout the seasons. These schemes cover areas like Solihull, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and the Cotswolds, bringing professional insight to gardens of all shapes and sizes.
Seating Areas: Where Outdoor Living Comes Alive
It’s not just about what you see—it’s where you sit, unwind, and entertain that makes the biggest impact. I believe your seating area should feel like a natural continuation of your indoor space. Too often, patios are designed out of habit rather than intent, leaving you squinting into the shade (or being crowded out every time the bifold doors open).
So, when planning seating, I consider:
- Sunlight: Does your main patio get the sun when you want it most? The last thing you want is a chilly corner at the wrong time of day.
- Size and Layout: Can your family and guests actually sit comfortably? Far too many patios look great on paper but end up cramped once the furniture is added. I always allow for at least 4 metres of depth for areas adjoining bifold doors—anything less, and you’ll notice it feels tight, especially once you factor in room for chairs and circulation.
- Purpose: Do you prefer cosy morning cuppas, lively dinner parties, or both? Smaller, tucked-away seating spots can become inviting features for private conversation, letting you surround yourself with plants and fragrant borders. Larger terraces can accommodate enough room for a generous dining set, loungers, or even extend to accommodate an outdoor kitchen.
- Flow and Connection: I’m meticulous about ensuring your outdoor living space connects with the architecture and style of your home, as well as the natural features of your garden.
To maximise usability, I sometimes position an entertainment area in the centre of the garden. This is especially wonderful for barbecues and fire pits—letting you enjoy them without the worry of smoke drifting indoors. Plus, it transforms the garden into a living, social space that beckons you outside.
You can read more about our ideas for outdoor entertaining and bespoke garden spaces on our site.
Attention to Detail: Craftsmanship That Stands Out
What truly sets us apart at Gardens of Distinction is our commitment to detail. From the first consultation to the final touches, every element is designed and built to last. Whether we’re installing timber pergolas, elegant border edging, or multi-level landscapes to tackle awkward slopes, craftsmanship and beauty go hand in hand.
It’s not just about aesthetics—functionality is key. When positioning a seating area, we look at how you’ll move through the space, where you’ll store furniture in the winter, and how the area will work across the seasons. The best gardens invite you back, time and again, no matter the weather.
Your Garden, Your Style: Bespoke Solutions for Every Home
No two gardens (or clients) are exactly alike. Some love the crisp lines of modern landscaping, while others yearn for the relaxed feel of a wildflower meadow or cottage garden. We spend time with you to understand how you want your space to work, who will use it, and what makes it special to you.
Our clients across Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, and beyond appreciate our ability to turn tricky plots—like sloping gardens or challenging soils—into functional and lovely outdoor rooms. Whether it’s a perfectly proportioned seating area for family get-togethers or a romantic corner surrounded by scent and colour, I take care to ensure the result reflects your lifestyle, taste, and vision.
Ready to Enjoy a Garden Built for Living?
A beautiful, functional garden starts with great planting and thoughtful seating. If you’re ready to enjoy an outdoor space that feels bespoke, welcoming, and truly yours, let’s bring your vision to life. You can explore our recent projects, design ideas, and more about our approach to garden design and planting, or get in touch to arrange a friendly chat about your own space.
Your garden is more than just plants and patios—it’s where your most cherished memories are made. Let’s create something truly special together at Gardens of Distinction.