top of page
Winner flash.png
SGLD Awards 2027 Finalist Black.png
Westhumble_terrace_garden_view.jpg

A GARDEN TO LIVE IN

We create gardens that invite you to live life outside, immersed in the sights, sounds and rhythms of nature. We work with busy professionals who want more than a beautiful garden - they want a sanctuary; a place to slow down, reconnect with the natural world and make space for the things that matter. 

CREATING YOUR GARDEN

From the first conversation to the final planting, we create gardens with thought, care and a clear sense of place. We take time to understand how you want to live in your garden, then shape the space around your home, your needs and the natural character of its surroundings - creating a garden that feels truly your own.

Mediterranean_sanctuary_garden_Thornton_Heath_planting.jpg
We have absolutely adored working with Helen. We've been putting off doing our garden for years as we knew it would be a lot of work, but Helen made the whole process seamless. Her plans and drawings are absolutely beautiful and she worked closely with us to create a garden of our dreams. I cannot be happier with the results, I honestly live in my garden now.

S. Jones, Thornton Heath, London

Westhumble_terrace_garden_view.jpg
Westhumble_terrace_garden_dining.jpg
Westhumble_terrace_garden_planting_rills.jpg

A contemporary garden designed as a natural extension of a beautifully minimalist home near Dorking. Clean architectural lines continue into the garden through seamless paving and softly curving Corten walls, while lush, layered planting brings softness, colour and movement.

​

Planted rills create gentle divisions between the different seating areas, while views towards the Surrey Hills connect the garden to its wider landscape. The result is a calm, immersive space that balances the simplicity of the architecture with the abundance of nature.

This design took its cue from the existing wooded bank in the space, and incorporated hints of the mediterranean. Boulders intersect with the hardscape amongst woodland planting, and a deck floats effortlessly above the bank, providing a shady spot to relax. ​

Epsom-townhouse-garden-SGLD-Awards_landscape.jpg
Epsom-townhouse-garden-stairs-and-boulder.jpg
Epsom-townhouse-garden-SGLD-Awards-deck.jpg
Broadstairs-pool-garden-pool-house.jpg
Broadstairs-pool-garden.jpg

In this Broadstairs pool garden, clipped topiary and soft perennials mingle with ornamental grasses, evoking the charm of an English country garden. The hardscape is rich in texture, with limestone paving laid in both large format and herringbone, creating an elegant and inviting outdoor retreat.

Broadstairs-pool-garden-dining-area.jpg

This South London garden combines the warmth of a Mediterranean landscape with the calm of a private sanctuary, making the most of its sunny, south-facing position and sheltered microclimate. A meandering gravel path links sandstone landing pads and leads to a secluded, tree-shaded seating area, while woven hazel screens and climber-covered boundaries enhance the sense of enclosure.

 

Designed to support biodiversity year-round, the garden offers a tapestry of habitats—from pollinator-friendly planting to winter seedheads—creating a peaceful, ever-changing refuge for people and wildlife alike.

Mediterranean_sanctuary_garden_Thornton_Heath_fennel.jpg
Mediterranean_sanctuary_garden_Thornton_
Vauxhall_family_garden_design_Elderflower_depth.jpg
Vauxhall London garden design seating area
Vauxhall_family_garden_design_Birch_flowers.jpg

This garden was inspired by the forests of Northern Europe, with birch trees and low-growing conifers. A stepping stone path winds through a wildflower lawn, leading to a secluded seating area shaded by trees.  ​

​

The planting was designed to invigorate the senses with textural, scented planted and fruit to be foraged - perfect for little ones to explore. 

​

Epsom-townhouse-garden-geums-boulder.jpg
We had an exceptional experience working with Helen. From the start, she was incredibly helpful, kind, and attentive to every detail of our project. She took the time to listen carefully to all of our ideas and needs, offering thoughtful suggestions that truly elevated the design.

S. Sabbatini, Epsom, Surrey

PLANTING IS AT THE CENTRE OF WHAT WE DO

Planting has the remarkable ability to bring a space to life, enriching it for both people and wildlife. It shapes the atmosphere of a garden, enhances well-being, and, when thoughtfully designed, offers lasting joy for years to come. Drawing inspiration from natural plant communities, our designs focus on creating harmonious, low-input schemes where plants thrive together and celebrate the changing seasons with vibrant colours, textures, and scents. At the heart of every design is the desire to support wildlife—providing food for pollinators, shelter for insects, and habitats for birds, ensuring a garden that’s alive with connection and vitality.

Epsom-townhouse-garden-tulips.jpg
Ewell_planting_design_Geums_Alliums.jpg
Epsom-townhouse-garden-bench-tulip-boulder.jpg

KEEPING IT SUSTAINABLE

Creating gardens that consider carbon footprint and use sustainable materials where possible is key throughout our garden design process. Producing as little waste as possible, and re-using spoil (often for foundations beneath the ground) and reusing good quality building materials in creative ways goes a long way to reducing the carbon footprint on a garden build - and saves the cost of removing it all from site. Salvaging existing paving slabs or reusing reclaimed materials doesn't only reduce carbon emissions, but also add character to a garden. When bringing new materials into a garden, we try to source locally where possible and this can bring benefits beyond the environmental - it can subtly ground the garden, helping it look like it 'belongs' in the local landscape.

 

Using permeable materials where possible that absorb rainwater is another way of having a positive impact on the environment. This reduces risk of flooding and helps filter out harmful pollutants. It also helps cool the surrounding air reducing the Urban Heat Island Effect (the heating effect of man's activities). 

​

Are you looking for a garden re-design?

Islington_townhouse_garden_olive.jpg
 "  Helen made our grey and dingy courtyard garden in North London beautiful - something I didn’t think was possible! She was so helpful at every stage - from planning to planting and now to maintenance. It’s now a relaxing space we are really happy in!"

J. Swan, Islington, London

Get in Touch!
​
I’d love to hear about your garden and what you’re hoping to create. When you get in touch, it’s helpful if you can share a few photos of the space and a little about what you’re looking for, an idea of budget if you have one, and where the garden is located. 


Email: studio@helensaundersgardendesign.co.uk
Phone:07912257661

Upload File
Upload supported file (Max 15MB)
Upload File
Upload supported file (Max 15MB)

Thank You for Contacting Us!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

© 2024 Helen Saunders Garden Design

bottom of page