Emphasis tends to be on plants, used both structurally and as decoration, when designing gardens.

I prefer to use materials found locally - hence wide use of brown river gravel, clay bricks and some use of flint in Hertfordshire gardens.

Increasingly, I am keen to use a structure of native plants (as hedges particularly) reflecting species found growing locally to give or retain a sense of local identity. Tentatively I am moving towards an English style of planting that is fitting to our maritime climate, soft light levels and that looks at home in England.

I favour restraint and understatement in design and try not to over-design.