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National Orchid Garden, Singapore
Singapore Chloe Erskine Singapore Chloe Erskine

National Orchid Garden, Singapore

Visiting the National Orchid Garden in Singapore this October was an experience I approached not just as a visitor, but as a landscape architect eager to understand why the space feels so compelling and where its design choices could be pushed even further. The garden is undeniably beautiful, but what struck me most was how meticulously choreographed the entire experience is. Light filters through tall palms to create a sense of gentle arrival, and the initial planting intentionally frames each view. Still, there were moments when the sheer density of colour and texture tipped into saturation, reminding me how vital visual pacing is, even in gardens designed around spectacle.

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Castle Leslie, Ireland
Ireland Chloe Erskine Ireland Chloe Erskine

Castle Leslie, Ireland

When I think back to our wedding at Castle Leslie in 2021, the landscape sits gently among the memories. It was not the first thing I recalled, but something that has grown in significance with time. Small sensory moments return to me: the cool air lifting off the lake, the quiet hush beneath the towering yew trees, the way the Salix babylonica draped around us as we laughed through photographs, and the damp grass underfoot as we stole a few calm steps together.

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Why grasses work so well in coastal gardens 🌾 Ornamental grasses are naturally adapted to wind, salt, and poor soils. Their flexible stems prevent breakage, while their movement adds softness and rhythm to exposed landscapes. Aesthetically, they
Gardens are outdoor rooms. Climbing plants, shrubs, and perennials soften built structures, integrating architecture into the landscape. In coastal gardens, planting around structures also provides wind buffering and temperature moderation. This
Mediterranean planting principles translate beautifully to UK coastal gardens. Stone, texture, drought-tolerant planting, and restrained colour palettes create landscapes that feel grounded and long-lasting. Choosing plants adapted to sun, wind, a
🧣Layering is key to a rich, resilient garden. 🌳 By combining groundcovers, mid-storey shrubs, and climbers, we create depth, shelter, and year-round interest. 🍃 In coastal gardens, this approach also reduces wind exposure and moisture loss. Pro
🌅 Coastal gardens should echo their surroundings. ⚪️ Soft palettes, open sightlines, and restrained planting allow the landscape beyond your boundary to remain the hero. 🌱 This is where less planting, not more, creates the strongest connection t
📏 Vertical structure matters. 🌴 Palms and architectural trees bring height, drama, and a sense of place to coastal gardens, without blocking light or views. 🤸 Their flexible trunks and wind-adapted fronds make them ideal for exposed sites where
Spring structure isn’t just about flowers; it’s about movement through space. 🪻 Layered shrubs and seasonal bloomers guide the eye and invite exploration, creating rhythm along a garden path. 🌊 In coastal or exposed sites, compact fl
A simple sketch to figure out how the space works. Where people walk, sit, and spend time, and how the planting supports that. #gardendesigner #gardendesign #garden #sketchdaily #gardenideas #gardensofinstagram #gardens #landscapeachitecture #garden
Our design statement. At the heart of what we do is something really simple. We want gardens to feel good to be in. Places where you can slow down for a moment, breathe, and just enjoy being outside. We design spaces for real life. Morning coffee,