Contemporary Surrey garden with layered planting and stone terrace

The Journal

Garden design and landscaping insight

Practical advice, design thinking and project stories from our Surrey studio — written to help you plan a garden you will genuinely use.

All articles Garden Design Landscaping Hard Landscaping Planting Outdoor Living Garden Maintenance Garden Rooms Driveways & Patios

Planting

Can You Plant Mature Specimen Trees in Winter?

Winter can be a suitable time to plant mature specimen trees in UK gardens. Learn how to choose the right tree, prepare the site and support healthy establishment.

Mekail14 October 202611 min read

Curved garden path connecting a patio and planted borders in a British garden.

Garden Design

How to Plan a Garden Path: Width, Layout and Positioning

Planning a garden path? Discover practical advice on width, layout, positioning, drainage and materials to create a walkway that works with your garden.

Mekail13 October 20269 min read

Slippery timber decking with algae and damp leaves in a British garden.

Landscaping Advice

Why Does Decking Become Slippery?

Slippery decking is often caused by algae, moss, moisture and fallen leaves. Learn how to clean your deck, improve drainage and reduce future build-up.

Mekail13 October 20267 min read

Pleached trees providing elevated privacy beside a garden patio.

Garden Design

Pleached Trees vs Hedging: Which Is Better?

Considering pleached trees or traditional hedging? Compare their privacy, cost, maintenance and appearance to find the best screening solution for your garden.

Mekail13 October 20266 min read

: Gravel and paved garden paths beside landscaped borders.

Hard Landscaping

Gravel vs Paving: Which Is Better for a Garden Path?

Choosing between gravel and paving for a garden path? Compare the cost, appearance, maintenance, drainage and practicality of both options.

Mekail12 October 20266 min read

Hard Landscaping

Why Are My Patio Slabs Loose?

Loose patio slabs can result from poor bedding, ground movement or drainage problems. Learn how to identify the cause and choose the right repair.

Mekail12 October 20266 min read

Waterlogged lawn with standing water in a British garden after heavy rainfall.

Landscaping Advice

How to Fix a Waterlogged Garden

Find out how to fix a waterlogged garden, from improving compacted soil and aerating lawns to correcting garden levels and installing suitable drainage. Copy

Mekail12 October 20266 min read

Shade-tolerant flowers, ferns and evergreen shrubs in a north-facing English garden.

Garden Design

Best Plants for a North-Facing Garden in the UK

Looking for the best plants for a north-facing garden? Explore shade-tolerant flowers, shrubs, ferns and ground cover that can bring colour, texture and year-round interest to UK gardens. Copy excerpt

Mekail12 October 20266 min read

A raised timber deck on sturdy supports overlooking a sloping, lush green garden, with wide wooden steps connecting it to a lower lawn and patio area.

Hard Landscaping

Can You Install Decking on a Sloping Garden?

Can you install decking on a sloping garden? Discover how raised and multi-level decking, suitable foundations and drainage can transform uneven gardens in Surrey.

Mekail9 October 20267 min read

A stone path through layered planting leading to a brick house in a Surrey garden

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