Beyond the Green Lawn: A New Era of Garden Design

Beyond the Green Lawn: A New Era of Garden Design

If this summer has taught us anything, it is that our gardens are entering a new era. The lush, emerald landscapes of the past are gradually being replaced by a different kind of beauty; one defined by sun-loving plants, resilient planting schemes and a design...
Garden advice during a heatwave

Garden advice during a heatwave

With the Met Office predicting that hot spells are likely to become more frequent in the futur, especially across southeast England, and temperatures expected to rise in every season, many gardeners are already feeling the effects of longer dry periods and increased...
Turn Up the Volume on Your Outdoor Space

Turn Up the Volume on Your Outdoor Space

Henley Festival is renowned for its unique blend of arts and entertainment where its magic goes beyond the music. A temporary space is transformed into a world of glamour, intimacy and high energy creating an unforgettable atmosphere. As the lush greenery from our...
Can AI Design Your Garden?

Can AI Design Your Garden?

Why the Team at The Big Plant Nursery aren’t worried It’s no surprise that AI has entered the world of landscaping. There are now countless tools, many of them free, that promise to “design” your dream garden with the click of a button. At The Big Plant...
Planting Design Service: Case Study

Planting Design Service: Case Study

A Vision of Natural Sanctuary Our journey with this client began with a simple but powerful brief: to breathe life and tranquillity into a neglected paddock area to the rear of the property. The cornerstone of the design is a newly installed, natural-style pool by...
Creative Landscape Co. Scoop Four APL Awards

Creative Landscape Co. Scoop Four APL Awards

We are delighted to announce that our sister company Creative Landscape Co. Ltd won four APL Awards across three categories at the HTA APL Awards 2026 last Friday, 13th March 2026. We are delighted to have supplied the equisite plants for these award winning...
Hydrangeas: Our top picks

Hydrangeas: Our top picks

The simplest and quickest way to elevate your garden and add timeless style – Hydrangeas. They are one of the most versatile, generous and garden‑transforming shrubs you can grow. They offer huge blooms and seasonal interest (as long as you hold off pruning...
How to Create an East Coast Style Garden in the UK

How to Create an East Coast Style Garden in the UK

The Hamptons are a string of towns located on the tip of Long Island, NY. They are known for their iconic mansion neighbourhoods, endless beaches and vacationing upper classes as they flock to their holiday homes from July to September. Tucked behind tall,...
A look back at RHS Chelsea 2026

A look back at RHS Chelsea 2026

We followed the coverage of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last month with real enthusiasm, eager to see which styles would take centre stage. This year’s themes felt especially inspiring; forward‑thinking, imaginative, and refreshingly accessible. You don’t need a large...
Create a gravel garden

Create a gravel garden

Choose the right spot An open, sunny, well-drained spot is best for most Mediterranean style plants. Sandy soil with relatively low fertility is ideal. Dig in organic matter before planting to help improve soil structure and water retention,...
Henley Arts Trail 2026

Henley Arts Trail 2026

A bank holiday showcase of creativity, 2nd – 4th May 2026 Venue 34: The Big Plant Nursery We will once again be showcasing unique outdoor sculptures in a variety of sizes and materials, carefully arranged against a backdrop of exceptional quality plants and...
Improve don’t move

Improve don’t move

Do you move home or invest in an upgrade? Upgrading your existing garden is often a smarter, more rewarding choice than moving house because it allows you to improve your living space in a cost‑effective and personalised way without the financial and emotional...
Why Your Garden Deserves a Specialist Nursery

Why Your Garden Deserves a Specialist Nursery

Gardening for many is more than just a hobby. It’s a passion, an escape and a creative outlet. But as garden centres have evolved into “lifestyle destinations” filled with homeware and cafes, the focus on the plants themselves can sometimes get lost. At The Big Plant...
Design and planting tips for a small garden

Design and planting tips for a small garden

In a recent survey of our community, we discovered that 29% of you are working with a small garden. While a compact footprint might feel limiting, we see it as an opportunity. Small gardens are the “jewel boxes” of the landscaping world. They require less...
The Enduring Allure of Magnolias

The Enduring Allure of Magnolias

We are captivated by these majestic trees. From their ancient lineage to their breathtaking blooms, Magnolias hold a special place in gardens and landscapes around the world. Available in a range of shapes and sizes, Magnolias offer something special for everyone. If...
Birch and Bloom: A Nordic Spring Awakening

Birch and Bloom: A Nordic Spring Awakening

If a British garden is a structured tea party and a French garden is a formal ballroom, a Finnish garden is a quiet walk in the woods. In Finland, the garden doesn’t shut nature out, it invites it in. Maybe you think of all things wintery when it comes to the...
Case Study: A Plant Lovers Paradise

Case Study: A Plant Lovers Paradise

The Brief With only one client stipulation, no lawn, our partners at Creative Landscape Co. Ltd set out to design and build a true plant-lover’s paradise in West Berkshire. This is a garden made for slow mornings; a place to wander with a coffee while taking in the...
Daphne: The Fragrant Jewel of the Winter Garden

Daphne: The Fragrant Jewel of the Winter Garden

Daphne is popular for it’s intensely fragrant blooms, usually produced in winter to early spring. Perfect for bringing joy to the garden at a dull, grey time of year. Most Daphnes are happy in partial shade, in neutral or slightly alkaline soil. They like moist,...
Our favourite Valentine’s Day inspired plants

Our favourite Valentine’s Day inspired plants

A plant is very similar to a relationship; in order to flourish it requires nurturing, attention and commitment. Here are some romantically named plants that you and your garden will fall in love with: Agapanthus ‘Flower of Love’ – From the word...
Winter Florals

Winter Florals

We bring you a hardy lineup of plants that comes alive at this time of year, brandishing bright bouqets of flowers and delivering a dose of essential beauty through the darkest season. It’s not all about florals, there are many berry producing plants and even...
Get the David Beckham look

Get the David Beckham look

With the announcement late last year that Sir David Beckham will help design the King’s Foundation garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 (19 May – 23 May 2026) we thought we’d bring you an insight into his newfound passion for gardening since buying a...
Meet Elaine, Planting Consultant

Meet Elaine, Planting Consultant

Elaine is one of our Planting Consultants for The Big Plant Nursery and Creative Landscape Co. She regularly meets new clients to help them get the most from their gardens through her designs and planting schemes. It might seem counterintuitive to spend money upfront...
Meet Corina, Planting and Design Consultant

Meet Corina, Planting and Design Consultant

Corina has an Honours degree in Garden Design and has been transforming gardens since 2011. Passionate about all things plant based, she left her native Romania in 2006 with a degree in agriculture to pursue a career in horticulture. Known amongst clients for her...