Journal
Ideas, inspiration and stories from the studio
Here you’ll find updates from current projects, insights into our design process, seasonal planting advice and a glimpse behind the scenes at Rob Hardy & Co.
Site analysis: balancing creativity with constraints
Find out about site analysis, the first stage in our garden design process, and why it’s an important first step to getting your dream garden.
The best shade-providing garden structures during hot summers
With average temperatures set to rise, we need to look at how we can design gardens that include shady retreats and protect us from the hot summer sun.
How do I choose the right type of gravel?
Find out about gravel - how it has been used in gardens around the world and what you should consider when using it in your garden.
7 Tips for Maximising Materials
The second part in our careful garden design series takes a look at the garden design and construction process and what you can do to maximise materials.
10 Tips for Minimizing Waste
The first part in our careful garden design series takes a look at the garden design process and what you can do to minimize waste.
Glorious Gardens for Dry Conditions
With the hosepipe ban now in force across much of the UK, we take a look at how our gardens need to change to cope with predicted drier conditions. We also consider what we can do to make a difference.
7 top tips for generous outdoor living
Gardens are often the forgotten extra room in your home, but it doesn’t need to feel that way. Find out clever ways to make your home and garden feel connected again. Here are our top tips.
5 tips for getting your garden ready for spring
The signs of spring are all around us. It’s time to get out into your garden to get your garden ready for the new season. Here are our five top tips for jobs to do this spring.
5 questions to ask yourself before a garden design consultation
A garden design consultation is the first step towards your dream garden - here are 5 questions to ask yourself before you begin.
8 steps to create a relaxing garden
How do you create a relaxing garden? This is one of the most common questions we get asked as garden designers. After a day in our hectic and stressful lives, we all seek a sanctuary to unwind in. So, here are eight steps on how to create a relaxing garden.
How to make the most of your small garden
Small gardens can often be the trickiest to design. Why not try out these top tips to make the most of your small garden?