Emma Atkinson: Landscape Architect & Garden Designer

  Planting Design for a New Build Garden.  Have you recently moved to a new build house?  Do you have a garden that is a complete blank canvas?  Here are a few quick steps to consider when planning what to do with your space.  1. Firstly, consider the type of soil that you have in your garden, is it loamy, silt, clay or sandy?  2. Secondly, find out where the sun rises and sets, to understand which areas of your garden will receive the most sun and which areas will be more suitable for shady plants.  3. Once you have confirmed your soil and sunlight levels, it's time to consider how you want your garden to function and who for.  Write down a list of the priorities, key plants and the type of activities you want your garden to support.  A few mood boards are always a great place to start,  to build an understanding of what works well together.  Proposed planting palette, creating a feel of the type of textures, colours and scents you would like in your garden.  TOP TIP: Try and choo

HOUSE PLANT HOW TO'S   Calathea Orbifolia  Orbifolia is perennial plant that is native to Bolivia, found originally on the forest floors of Bolivia. However, these plants are increasingly more seen across the world becoming stylish house plants. Calathea is a member of the Marantaceae or Prayer Plant family and include a number of beautiful varieties. .  Where should they live?  As a plant originally found on rainforest floors it needs to be kept in a warm (16-20 degrees) and humid room. So a bathroom would be an ideal position for this house plant!  How much light?  Keep this plant away from direct sunlight, it can cause the beautiful patterns on the leaves to fade. The best position for this plant is in partial shade or natural bright light.  When to water + feed? This plant will thank you if you can provide it with natural rainwater, saving you money on your water bills! Alternatively, water with distilled or filtered water.. these plants are very sensitive to chemicals added