About the studio
Helen Saunders Garden Design is an award-winning garden design studio, based in Epsom in Surrey. Our gardens are nature-inspired and designed with sustainability in mind. The studio works on gardens and landscapes in Surrey, London and further afield.
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About Helen
With a background in Fine Art and several years in the photographic industry, Helen’s garden designs are characterised by their sense of flow and immersive atmosphere. Having always been fascinated by the natural world, she brings this together with an innate understanding of composition, colour and texture to create beautiful and harmonious spaces which are deeply connected to nature.
In 2018, Helen trained at the London College of Garden Design, leaving with a Distinction. She was then selected as a finalist at the prestigious Society of Garden Designers Awards for her final project and has since gone on to win an SGD award for the design of a hospital rehabilitation garden - a collaboration with fellow designer Tabitha Rigden.
In 2008 she graduated with a First Class degree (Hons) in Fine Art from Loughborough University and went on to complete a Masters in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins.
Helen's design approach
I love to create gardens which are sensitive to their surroundings and draw out the character of that place, which can include anything from the local landscape; to local plant communities and architecture, and usually all of the above. I like to create spaces which reflect my client’s personalities, wants and needs, and sometimes surprise them with elements that they didn’t know they wanted until they see it there on the drawing board. I’m inspired by wild landscapes and the curiosity and playfulness it ignites within us – something I like to bring to all my garden designs.
Sustainability is key to what I do and I’m driven to have a positive impact on the planet with every garden I create. I re-use and recycle materials where possible, and embrace the beauty and character of materials with a history. Keeping the material palette as local as possible not only makes sense in reducing carbon footprint, but also in telling the story of that place.
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Get in touch to find out how we can help with your garden
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Planting Design
Planting has the power to bring a space to life both for people and wildlife. My planting designs are inspired by natural plant communities and chosen for their ability to co-exist happily as well as enjoy their site conditions to create a sustainable and beautiful garden.
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Choosing plants which benefit a range of pollinators and provides much-needed habitat space will encourage a whole host of wildlife, that will have your garden fizzing with life. Choosing trees and shrubs that provide blossom and berries provides both a long season of interest as well as food for hungry birds and insects.
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Plants can even provide practical solutions in the garden such as helping to soak up excess rain water, providing protection from noise and pollution as well as providing much-needed shade in the summer months.
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As well as full garden re-designs we also provide planting designs for single borders to complete planting overhauls. Get in touch to find out more.
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