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The sharp cold of the last few weeks brought truly wintry scenes to Church Barn, Essex (UK). ❄️

Even though less colourful than in other seasons, these images clearly show the three structural layers we always talk about in our garden masterclasses:

1 — The clipped layer 🍃
Clipped Prunus lusitanica runs parallel to the building, echoing the linearity of the black timber cladding. It is strongest closest to the house — the manmade element — then gradually feathers out towards the surrounding landscape.

2 — The ephemeral layer 🌾
Repeated lines of Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ also follow the house. Through winter, stems and seed heads slowly lose density, becoming a lighter veil — yet still standing. Soon it will be cut back and disappear in a blink, only to surge again in early spring. Structure doesn’t need to be static: it can expand and contract with the seasons.

3 — The functional layer 🪵
The log piles. Laid in linear arrangements of varying heights, they play multiple roles: structural, ecological, water retention (especially if partially buried), and practical — a place to rest cut branches and trunks during winter work.

From mid to late February we will cut everything back and spread the material as mulch, keeping that pool of biodiversity protected and active. There are different ways to transition from winter to spring — burning, removing cuttings completely — but in my view a quick cut-back (shears or a strimmer) keeps labour hours low while minimising impact on garden life.

As temperatures rise, I’m planning to sow foxgloves, Lunaria, Tragopogon, Nigella, Californian poppies, and a few others. Cut-back time is also the moment to observe the ground layer and spot opportunities — empty pockets where spring light will reach before new growth wakes up again.

We need structural complexity, and tight planting schemes where competition creates beauty and ecological value. 🐞🐛🕷️🪲🐜

What’s the first task you’ll do as warmer days arrive?

📸 @garymorrisroe
🌿 @leongardens
👷🏻‍♂️ @shootsandleaveslondon

#stefanomarinaz #gardendesign #landscapedesign #wintergarden #naturalisticplanting

We’re delighted to share some wonderful news 🌿🥳
One of our Amsterdam garden projects near the Vondelpark has been published in the January 2026 issue of @gardens_illustrated ✨

This project is a dappled shade garden, shaped by the presence of the majestic, mature trees of the Vondelpark. To blend seamlessly with this setting, we introduced 12 new trees within our planting scheme, helping to filter the light, enhance biodiversity, and create rich seasonal interest. Species such as pine, Ginkgo biloba, Chionanthus retusus, and Vitex agnus-castus play a key role, with Vitex being especially valuable for pollinators. 🐝

The understorey is formed by a calm, textural plant community of grasses like Melica uniflora ‘Albida’ and Sesleria ‘Greenlee Hybrid’, combined with Astrantia, Tricyrtis, Helleborus, and a selection of scented shrubs, creating a garden that feels both natural and refined.

This project is also featured in our Garden Masterclass series, available via our website, where we share the design principles and practical steps behind the project, from concept to execution, for those who would like to explore the process in more depth.

✍🏻🌿 @seewhygarden
👷🏻‍♂️🌿 @koninklijke_ginkel_groep
📸🌿 @alistergthorpe
🏡🌿 @sallycaroline_

Vibrant autumnal hues in one of our gardens in the middle of November. Hilversum, the Netherlands 🍂🇳🇱

📸🍁 @eva_nemeth

#plantcommunities #stefanosgardens #gardensofinstagram #stefanomarinaz #landscapearchitecture #landscapedesign #gardenlife #gardeninspiration #instagarden #gardendesign #horticulture #gardens #gardener #garden #gardening #design #plants #flowerstagram #photooftheday #plantsofinstagram #outdoorliving #gardendesigner #instagardener #landscapedesigner #gardenstyle #tuinontwerp #woodland #gardenmasterclass #designmasterclass