“Looking around, nothing in nature is uniform—that’s the backdrop we love to work with.”
“The right plant in the right place ensures your garden stands the test of time”.
“Don’t be afraid to create something from instinct, even if it’s not the done thing or in fashion.”
“I want a garden to have a soul for it to be real and for it to last.”
“No design is truly bespoke – it’s a mix of gathered ideas, reshaped and reimagined into something new.”
“Don’t be afraid of simplicity in your planting scheme; be bold and use native plants to stand the test of time”.
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Most people would look at this old table and see something that needs cleaning. I look at it and see character, history and soul.
This carpet of moss isn’t neglect. It’s nature quietly telling the story of time.
Zoom in… and suddenly a world appears. Tiny forests. Intricate patterns. Extraordinary detail that we so often walk straight past.
We are so quick to call plants like this weeds, or signs of something unloved. Yet they are living works of art, asking nothing more than to be noticed.
Sometimes the greatest beauty isn’t in what we create, but in what we allow nature to create for herself.
Look closer. 💚
#rachaelwhitedesigns #nature #landscapedesign #mosscovered #lookclosely
The foundation of every successful planting scheme starts with structure. And it was the same here at Gainfield.
There are the plants that form the backbone of the design, providing shape, character and year-round presence, there’s the hedging and trees (which we will go into more detail on later) and then there’s climbers, grasses and herbaceous plants.
Over time, the softer layers weave their way through the space, creating a landscape with strength, structure and seasonal interest.
Here are just a few examples of the herbaceous pairings that we incorporated, and some tips on how we achieved it.
#rachaelwhitedesigns #seasonalplanting #landscapedesign #cotswolds #plantingtips
✨ Gainfield Farm – Then & Now ✨
A transformation that’s a reminder that great gardens aren’t built overnight.
When we first set out to redesign the courtyard at Gainfield Farm, we knew the vision relied on more than hard landscaping alone. Through a carefully considered planting scheme, combination planting, texture and seasonal interest, we created the foundations for nature to flourish.
Fast forward a year, and the courtyard has truly come into its own. The planting has matured beautifully, softening the space and bringing the design to life in ways only time can achieve. Given even more time, the gravel garden space will continue to be enveloped by the abundance of self seeding plants to produce a truly naturalistic feel.
Swipe to see the transformation.
#rachaelwhitedesigns #LandscapeDesign #GardenTransformation #CourtyardGarden #BeforeAndAfter
This project @cotswoldsdistillery has been an incredible journey from start to finish and one we are incredibly proud of at #rachaelwhitedesigns.
Alongside the wetland system, we established extensive wildflower meadows and a carefully considered tree planting scheme, generously supported by @wyevalenurseriesltd and @gloucestershirecc
The result is an ever-evolving landscape where nature is flourishing and demonstrating its extraordinary ability to work in harmony with industry and the local community. It is a living example of how sustainable relationships can be created when environmental responsibility, commercial enterprise and ecological design come together.
The purpose of the wetland is to treat and reduce the distillery’s waste water. Working alongside Jane David Shields of @livingwaterlandscape, who provided the scientific expertise behind the project, we created a system that mirrors the symbiotic relationships found naturally within marshland ecosystems.
This established cell system is capable of treating more than 20,000 litres of wastewater in one cycle, reducing it to as little as just 1litre by the time it reaches the willow beds.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved with @alicemakeswhisky and the team at Cotswolds Distillery to keep this remarkable journey alive.
#landscapedesign #wetlandrestoration #reducingwaste #legacylandscapes
We are incredibly proud of Duck Hollow. From the outset our vision was to provide the foundations for nature to take the lead. To reclaim and reshape the space.
The garden has, over time, matured beautifully and been given a huge amount of character through naturalistic planting. And a huge thanks goes out to @gardens_illustrated for featuring us.
Sitting on the lake facing bench by the front door surrounded by alchemilla mollis astrantia, is about as peaceful as it gets. It’s truly a magical place to pause and take it all in.
Thanks also to John Campbell for his stunning photography @room_of_light
Architectural design by @fleming_architects
#rachelwhitedesigns #gardendesign #landscapedesign #architecturephotography #naturefirst
Somewhere between the pasta, sunshine and wandering through ancient villages in Italy last week, I developed a slight obsession with olive trees.
Some olive trees live for thousands of years. They survive droughts, harsh conditions and still produce fruit year after year.
There’s something amazing about standing next to a tree that’s been quietly growing through centuries of history, wars, generations and changing landscapes. A reminder that strength doesn’t always look straight and perfect, sometimes it looks gnarled, resilient and full of character.
Needless to say, my camera roll is now about 70% olive trees 🌳 🇮🇹
#rachaelwhitedesigns #olivetreepeople #olivetrees #italianlandscapes #landscapedesign
Just got back from an amazing trip to Italy which marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us. 🇮🇹✨
We’re thrilled to be embarking on the transformation of a beautiful old derelict site that has been in the same family for generations. Steeped in history and full of potential, this project is a true privilege to be part of.
Spending time on site was wonderful. We can’t wait to breathe new life into this special place while honouring its heritage and character.
Watch this space as we begin the journey. We’re excited to share the transformation with you.
#RachealWhiteDesigns #ItalianProject #HeritageRestoration #DesignJourney #ArchitectureAndInteriors TransformationProject
A wonderfully busy couple of weeks here at RWD.
From visiting Chelsea Flower Show and having conversations with RHS about exciting new opportunities, to book launches, magazine features, ongoing design work and watching one of our latest builds take shape!
Amongst it all there have been those quieter moments where landscapes begin to settle into their natural surroundings. That’s when projects start to take your breath away.
A very exciting season ahead 🫶
#landscapedesign #gardendesign #chelseaflowershow #rhs #landscapearchitecture
A little proud moment for us at Rachael White Designs ✨
We’re incredibly honoured to have had 3 of our gardens featured in the Cottagecore Gardens #coffeebook by @gestalten.
To be featured alongside so many other beautiful landscape designs from around the world is a real honour and something we are hugely grateful for.
Designing gardens that connect with people and with nature is always the goal, so to have this celebrated on the international stage feels like a pinch me moment!
#rachaelwhitedesigns #gardendesign #landscapedesigner #legacylandscapes
A little time away from work this afternoon and some help in the garden going through one of the borders - wonderful organic slug defence but not so great for emerging shoots when sat on! LOVE MY DUCKS 💚#duckhelpers #planting #slugdeterrent #nature #gardendesign #organicsolutions #rachaelwhitedesigns
When the garden really starts to wake up & smile with subtle colours #paeoniaemodi #gladiolusbyzantinus #aquilegia #quinceflowers #forgetmenot #rosabanksiae #planting #gardeninspiration #rachaelwhitedesigns
Summer is just around the corner and spring happiness with it. #legacylandscapes #gardeninspiration #nature #ginandtonic #springtime #summeraroundthecorner #rachaelwhitedesigns
Tantalisingly close to the first swim of the year- the hint of summer is on its way - a RWD design, build and planting scheme from a couple of years ago - revisited and just about to wake up and come into its own for another summer……
#gardendesign #legacylandscapes #planting #gardeninspiration #rachaelwhitedesigns
We love a morning at @wyevalenurseriesltd.
Wandering the rows and choosing a few trees that will grow alongside the next generation. This time we were looking for trees with real character- ones that will sit naturally within the landscape and feel as though they’ve always belonged there.
There’s something special about planting something today that will still be standing tall for years to come.
#plantatree #landscapedesigner #gardenlife #rachaelwhitedesigns
Hopefully the last of the winter frost.
It may be cold, but it does make the garden sparkle.
Lovely to see, but I think we’re all ready now for Spring to finally spring.
#landscapedesign #lastfrost #gardendesign #rachaelwhitedesigns
With the recent wet weather, walling and stonework have been our main focus.
Now the sun is finally out and the ground is starting to dry, we can begin transforming these muddy landscapes into something special.
There’s nothing better than seeing natural stone take shape and bring structure back to the land.
#StoneWalling #DryStoneWalling #Stonework #Landscaping #rachaelwhitedesigns
Another fun day tree planting for screening
It might look like the boys are just waving in the pics… but they’re actually our high-tech spacing tools
Using them to mark out distances and get the tree placement spot on.
You can’t beat a person for mobile visualisation
#TreePlanting #OnSite #LandscapeLife #BehindTheScenes
A perfect example of how repeat arches can intensify a view or vista.
#landscapephotography #landscapedesi̇gn #arches #outdoorarchitecture #rachaelwhitedesigns
We’re excited to start this new project that has incredible structural depth and history already woven into it. There’s so much here to work with, and we can’t wait to add the next layer of story to this beautiful coastal location in North Wales.
#NewProject #NorthWales #CoastalArchitecture #HistoricStructures #rachaelwhitedesigns
Lots of concepts on the go and plenty of 3D sketches in progress, one of our favourite tools for visualising how a garden will come together long before the first spade hits the ground.
#GardenDesign
#LandscapeDesign
#GardenInspiration
#3DDesign
#rachaelwhitedesigns
We design our landscapes to sing all year round, but our 3D imagery usually reflects the summer months. However, here’s a snapshot of one of our Italian projects currently in design, looking wonderfully wintery, highlighting the strength of the garden’s structure, even under snow.
#wintergarden #gardendesign #gardenstructure #legacylandscapes #rachaelwhitedesigns
At the end of the year looking back at some of our designs which we shot this Summer.
Thoughtful design turned open fields into established gardens built to last.
Each has its own unique feel and story to tell.
#ProfessionalLandscaping #LandscapeArchitecture #GardenDesignStudio #BlankCanvasToGarden #TimelessLandscapes #roomoflight
#LandscapeInspiration #landscapedesign #gardendesign #planting #legacylandscapes #rachaelwhitedesigns
Stopped on my walk to the office to admire the frost-kissed herbs.
#morningwalk #wintergarden #frost #herbgarden #sage #rosemary #thyme #wintermagic #naturepause #beforework #gardenphotography #frostyherbs #naturemoments #wintervibes #plantlover #legacylandscapes #rachaelwhitedesigns
