A little bit of cosmos magic in the gardens this summer 🌸

What a lovely surprise it was to see these popping back up from seed I sowed last year! Cosmos are annuals, so perhaps it is down to the change in weather and our increasingly mild winters. Although I do also cover my vegetable beds with lambswool over winter, which keeps everything underneath lovely and cosy! [useful tip if you have access to sheep’s wool!]

Whatever the reason, I am certainly not complaining. There is something quite magical about walking within a sea of cosmos. They create a gorgeous kaleidoscope of colour, move beautifully in the breeze, when we get one, and are an absolute treat for the bees.

And one of the best things about cosmos? Keep deadheading them and they will reward you with more and more blooms, often carrying on right through the autumn until the first frost.

‘Here you come again’ Dolly 💚 hope these would make you smile.

#rachaelwhitedesigns #hereyoucomeagain #cosmos #landscapedesign #annuals ...

As we begin to soak up the last of the summer sun, it feels like the perfect time to think about how we use our outdoor spaces.

From dining areas and coffee corners to secluded benches, loungers and hammocks, each space should invite you to pause, relax and feel connected to nature.

I always say a garden should reflect the architecture, its natural surroundings and the way the interior of the house has been configured. Creating a space that feels considered but completely at home in its landscape.

But ultimately, a garden is there to be lived in, not just looked at — so take the time to sit, slow down and simply enjoy the spaces you’ve created.

#rachaelwhitedesigns #landscapedesign #architectureanddesign #outdoorseating #outdoorspaces ...

From our very first conversations to the finishing touches (and beyond) here at RWD, we manage every stage of your project, designing, planning, building, planting and keeping in touch long after the projects completion.

We work with the best team imaginable to ensure every detail is taken care of and we design landscapes that sit beautifully within their surroundings and feel as though they have always been there.

Here’s a little more information on how we work.

#rachaelwhitedesigns #howwework #landscapedesi̇gn #gardendesign #legacylandscapes ...

Reflecting on last week when we were out on site @farmingtonmasonry and @cotswoldsdistillery as we prepared for our panel @futurescapeevent

From the quarry where we explored the future potential of a working industrial landscape design, to the distillery, where our nature-led wetland system is already cleaning the wastewater on site. Both visits enforced one idea: industry and nature don’t have to compete. By unlocking hidden natural value within industrial landscapes we can create spaces that clean, educate and inspire.

Keep your eyes peeled for more details on our Futurescape panel in October.

@wyevalenurseriesltd @frognalgardens

#rachaelwhitedesigns #legacylandscapes #landscapedesign #naturerecovery #biodiversity ...

This is an exciting moment for me - sharing the story of how Rachael White Designs got to where it is today! With a lot of hard work and help from some wonderful people 💚 I hope you enjoy the read.

#mystory #smallbuisnessowner #femaleentrepreneurs #landscapedesigner #rachaelwhitedesigns ...

A closer look at the finer details of our latest Italian venture. A beautiful space doesn’t happen by accident, it takes meticulous planning, hard work and a lot of heart to bring a vision like this to life… so watch this space for updates.

#rachaelwhitedesigns #landscapedesigner #exteriordesign #italianlandscapes #behindthedesign ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...