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This morning, many of us in Europe woke up to temperatures below zero, with frost covering the streets, gardens, and landscapes. These photos were taken by our client at Church Barn in Essex, UK. ❄️❄️

When frost or snow arrives, I often reflect on how fortunate we are to have warm homes, while the inhabitants of our gardens face the cold. Some are wintering in place, while others forage for food or scout for new nesting spots. 🐝🪺

At this time of year, nature seems to pause, and the freezing temperatures highlight this stillness. Looking at these photos, I hope our design choices have provided enough structural complexity to support wildlife, with suitable nesting sites and food sources. For instance, the edges of Prunus lusitanica will soon serve as bird nesting sites. The remnant flower heads of herbaceous plants likely still contain seeds for birds, while piles of logs may shelter hibernating toads and amphibians. Additionally, the grass matrix (Sesleria autumnalis and Sporobolus heterolepis) helps keep the soil warmer, benefiting insects.

The leaves left intentionally by trees, along with decaying plant materials, likely create better conditions for insects. Burrowing mammals may have also created holes, providing shelter for bumblebees, which often nest underground. Log piles and hollow stems can serve as homes for solitary bees and other insects. 🪲🕸️🦋

Even in these cold, still days, there’s a world of life waiting to bloom in spring. To nurture this, we need gardens with structural complexity and abundant food sources. A bare lawn or overly tidy garden won’t support this. Wildlife need nesting sites just as we need our homes. 🌿🪵🏡

If you’d like to learn more about encouraging wildlife in your garden, I recommend reading *Gardening for Bumblebees* by @dave.goulson .

Join our Garden Masterclass on January 23rd to see how we transformed a bare lawn into this wildlife oasis. Available on demand for 30 days.
Check the SECOND LINK in our bio.

Enjoy your weekend!

👷🌿 @shootsandleaveslondon
🌿🌿 @leongardens

🎉 Exciting New Chapter at SMLA! 🎉
We’re thrilled to announce that starting in 2025, we’ll be hosting a series of exclusive masterclasses—designed to share insights, expertise, and behind-the-scenes looks at some of our most exciting projects. 🙌

To start with, we’re shining a spotlight on Church Barn, an award-winning and widely published project that blends innovation, design, and sustainability. ✨

🎓 What to Expect:

- A thorough look at the design process and inspiration behind Church Barn.
- An exploration of how we transformed a simple patch of grass into a nature-driven garden that’s buzzing with life—supporting insects, butterflies, and more. 🌿🦋
- A detailed look at the masterplan, including both the overall design and finer details such as hard landscaping and the planting palette.
- Expert advice on how to maintain a 4-season garden with minimal costs, ensuring longevity and vibrancy year-round. 🌳
- Insights into the ecological value of the project, backed by findings from a comprehensive ecological report conducted by an ecologist. Learn how this project benefits the local environment, supports biodiversity, and enhances sustainability.
- A Q&A session to answer all your burning questions!

📅 Date: 23rd January 2025
⏰ Time: 7pm UK (GMT)
💻 Where: Online (Link in bio to register!)

With the same ticket you have also access to the on-demand recorded masterclass for 30 DAYS 🥳🌿

This is just the beginning—stay tuned for more updates as we roll out a series of webinars to inspire, educate, and connect. 💡

Let’s start the new year with knowledge, creativity, and great opportunities! 🚀

How Many Ways Can You Use a Pot?

Pots are incredibly versatile in the garden. Here are some creative ways we’ve used them:

Photo 1 & 2 - Planted Pots
The classic use for pots is planting. Elevating plants slightly creates focal points, showcases seasonal changes, and adds interest.

Photo 3 & 4 - Visual Connection
Pots can harmonize with plant colors, surroundings, or garden elements, enhancing aesthetics and creating visual harmony.

Photo 5 - Planting Edibles
Pots are perfect for growing vegetables and herbs. At the Floriade Expo, we designed gabion planters made from recycled peach pits. These space-saving pots are ideal for urban gardens.

Photo 6-10 - Fire Pits
We transformed Atelier Vierkant clay pots into fire pits. Topped with bespoke timber lids, they also serve as coffee tables—perfect for compact city gardens.

Photo 11-16 - Water Features
Pots can easily become water features, introducing calming elements to your garden.

Photo 17 - Combining Pots
Using pots with similar styles but different purposes creates a cohesive, unified garden design.

Photo 18 - Large Sculptural Elements
In our South Kensington Gem project, we used large, subtly hued pots to add bold yet understated sculptural features, enhancing the garden’s intrigue.

Photo 19 & 20 - Empty Sculptural Pots
Empty pots add texture and structure, especially during winter. They guide the eye through the garden and create balance without overpowering other elements.

Pots are functional and bring charm and elegance to gardens, adding depth, beauty, and character to outdoor spaces.

📸 🌿 @alistergthorpe

#Pots #GardenDesign #FirePit #stefanomarinaz #stefanosgardens #UrbanGardening #OutdoorLiving #LandscapeArchitecture #GardenInspiration

Our New Beginnings: Church Barn project is featured in the December issue of @houseandgardenuk which is available in stores now! 🌿✨

The garden has been transformed into a lively habitat, filled with movement and colour, attracting birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects throughout the year.🐝🍁🌿

Don’t miss the opportunity to grab a copy and discover more about this enchanting garden!!

🌿👷🏻‍♂️ @shootsandleaveslondon
🌿🌿 @leongardens
🌿✍🏻 @greenwichgardener
🌿📸 @alistergthorpe

#LandscapeArchitecture #LandscapeDesign #Garden #GardenTransformation #EssexGarden #Essex #UK #NewBeginnings #ChurchBarn #NaturalDesign #houseandgarden #condenast #NatureInspired #stefanosgardens #gardensofinstagram #stefanomarinaz #landscapedesign #gardenlife #gardeninspiration #instagarden #horticulture #gardener #gardening #plants #outdoorliving #gardendesigner #instagardener #landscapedesigner #tuinontwerp #architecture

Autumn has cast its golden glow over our Woodland Glade Sanctuary in Hilversum, and we couldn’t be more enchanted! 🍂✨

As the leaves turn and the sun filters through the trees, this garden transforms into a vibrant tapestry of warm hues and soft light. Here, every path invites exploration, and each corner reveals nature’s artistry in full bloom.

What do you love most about autumn in the garden? Share your thoughts below! 🍁🌼

#woodlandgladesanctuary #autumnvibes #gardendesign #landscapearchitecture #natureinspired #seasonalgarden #autumnoolours#stefanosgardens #gardensofinstagram #stefanomarinaz #landscapedesign #gardenlife #gardeninspiration #instagarden #gardendesign #horticulture #gardens #gardener #gardening #design #plants #photooftheday #outdoorliving #gardendesigner #instagardener #landscapedesigner #gardenstyle #tuinontwerp #architecture

We’re thrilled to share that our Edgy Woodland Wonderland project in South London was featured in the last issue of @gardens_illustrated and is available in store now! 🌿✨

This once barren 10m x 10m garden was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of life, colour, and texture. Imagine stepping into a space that evolves with the changing seasons—where every month unveils new wonders. Each element in the garden harmonies like instruments in a symphony, creating an immersive experience designed for exploration and discovery. With a playful dialogue among the changing plants and features, there’s always something new to uncover at every turn! 🍁🍂💛

Curious about how we transformed a “complete desert” into this “secret garden”? Grab your copy of Gardens Illustrated to discover the magic behind this transformation! You won’t want to miss it!

🌿👷🏻‍♂️ @shootsandleaveslondon
🌿🌿 @leongardens
🌿✍🏻 @natasha_goodfellow
🌿📸 @richardbloomphoto

#LandscapeArchitecture #GardenDesign #Design #UrbanGreenery #UrbanDesign #GardenGoals #EdgyWoodlandWonderland #SeasonalMagic #GardensIllustrated #UrbanOasis #Autumn #AutumnGarden #autumninlondon #stefanosgardens #greytogreen #horticulture #nature #biodiversity #autumnvibes #citygardens #habitats #architecturedesign #insideout