My design philosophy has been developed over many years, in many gardens, with many different people, and is grounded in a profound reverence for the plant kingdom and a recognition of our dependence on it.

I believe that good design is always simple. It is very important to get the 'bones' of a landscape right - the structural elements of a garden and the materials used to create them must work together before any plant material is added, but it is essential to understand the ecology and behavior of the plants you are using in order to create a landscape that has the harmony and beauty of nature.

Having said that, I also believe that there are times and places when going 'over the top' is absolutely necessary. There are wonderful traditions of ornate design and wild overuse of color and exotic materials that deserve not to be lost and forgotten. In current times it may be necessary to restrict the urge to go wild to a large tub or an entrance extravaganza, but I believe wholeheartedly that there is fun to be had with plants, and we should leave room for fun when designing gardens.

I hope always to design landscapes that reflect the character of a house and the people who live in it. The quality of life in a house is greatly enhanced when it is surrounded by spaces that can be lived in and enjoyed. I believe that these spaces should be more than merely decorative. They should be designed to be used - to expand the possibilities that the house alone offers. Then they should be built and planted with great care, so that the expense and the effort of making a landscape is not lost in poor construction and poorly selected plant material.

Lastly, I believe that we owe it to the world that we live in to do as little damage as possible and to repair what we can. I carry this belief into landscape design, seeking to create environmentally sound landscapes. The essential elements of soil preparation, plant selection and post-planting care should all be done with the sustainability of the landscape as a guiding principle.