Design.
Designer Profile:
Address: 3 Park Lodge,
Castleknock,
Dublin,
D15 FHH9
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Biography
To behold a beautiful garden is one of life’s greatest joys. Investing in creating your own will be one of the best decisions you could ever make! However, I recognise that knowing where or how to begin the garden design process can seem like a daunting prospect. With over 20 years of experience in making gardens from small city retreats to large country oases, I understand this journey you are embarking on and have the skills to guide you every step of the way. Creating the best possible garden for you is my goal and the process begins with establishing a clear design brief. This is your ‘wish list’ and it covers all aspects, from your favourite passion plants and must have garden feature, to your budget expectations and a rough timeline for completion of the build. Once all this is in place and agreed, the actual design plan inspiration can start to flow. All too often, a lack of design creativity and diversity in planting, as well as poor implementation and nurturing has resulted in both private and public gardens and landscapes being underused and undervalued with little or no real benefit for the well-being of people, wildlife, or the environment. However, I believe that with the right professional design advice and interventions that are in tune with nature’s rhythms, any garden can realise its true potential. In my work, design details are everything, from specifying appropriate materials and planting mixes, to selecting the right focal point for your chosen sculptural piece. The value of a carefully considered plan layout, that illustrates the design intent clearly and can be costed easily, cannot be overstated. This will ultimately feed into the quality of workmanship and the final desired result being achieved. I am delighted to discuss your project with you, whatever scale and wherever located!
Design Qualifications
BSc. Landscape Architecture & Ecology (University of Sheffield, 1999)
HND Landscape Construction (Otley College, 1996)
Certificate in Design Presentation (Dublin Institute of Technology, 1991)
Awards
2010 ALCI ‘Award of Merit’ – Private Gardens over €30K Category (jointly with K.J. Baumann Landscape & Garden Design)
2009 Bloom, Silver Medal – Medium Show Garden Category
2004 Garden Heaven Show -Bronze Medal, Medium Show Garden Category
Projects
Medium Suburban Garden Design, West Dublin
A strong formal framework of sharp design lines creates practical open patio and lawn spaces on different levels. Luxuriant boundary planting in raised beds provides privacy and a long season of interest. Designed to be visually striking from different vantage points, key focal elements include a shallow reflecting pool on the main patio and rusted stag sculpture among tree ferns. Complimentary modern materials, plant foliage texture and form, and mood lighting all combine seamlessly to create an elegant outdoor room.
Primary School Garden, Dublin City
This welcoming entrance space for pupils, teachers and visitors to the school creates opportunities for quiet reflection. A striking linear two-tone paving design symbolises, in the Ogham language, the initials ‘C’ and ‘M’ in the school’s name and forms directional paths that criss-cross the garden. The square spaces in between provide focal points for planting and social zones for seating. Bold architectural plants between adjoining beds alternates in two distinct structure groupings, with two character trees providing shelter and a secure contemplative ambience. A modern take on an ancient Ogham stone forms an elegant sculptural focal piece completing the scene.
Small Suburban Garden, West Dublin
A fusion of traditional and contemporary styles take form in a strongly angled garden design layout, where space is maximised for leisure activities. Complimentary materials in muted colour tones are selected for the new patio, retaining walls, curved privacy screen, and rendered boundary walls. Key points of focus and ornamentation provide visual stimulation and Mediterranean themed planting brings dynamic seasonal interest, colour, texture, and a softening of hard edges.
Testimonials
It was great to work with Gary on the design of our garden which we enjoy both from inside our home and out of doors. We are delighted to recommend his work as a competent Landscape Architect and are very happy with the service we received and the fabulous result.
Sean & Clare
West Dublin
Gary came up with a design for our garden that we never thought possible and created a wonderful space much better than we could have hoped for. Throughout the process he was extremely professional, and we would have no hesitation in recommending Gary for any garden projects.
Cathy & Stephen
North Dublin
We recently engaged Gary to design our front and back gardens. He was most helpful when it came to plant selection and accompanied us to the nursery to choose them. He also oversaw the works being carried out by the landscape contractor. We’d have no hesitation in recommending his services.
Noel & Clare
North Dublin
We had just retired when we met Gary and needed expert advice to develop our large garden. From his first visit we felt he was ‘on our wavelength’ and listened to us. He was always generous with his time, resulting in very detailed and meticulous plans, planting schemes, costings, etc. He is a pleasure to work with and we keep in contact.
Pat & Mike
West Wicklow
Wonderful, I would highly recommend Gary; he spent a lot of time on my design that has created the most beautiful garden. His attention to detail was amazing. I love my garden!
Helen
Co Meath
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