Gardens of the World

Inspiration...

I’m often asked where I get my inspiration from. Like any other art form, there’s a point of origin – what stimulated the thought in the first place. For me, it starts with an initial meeting with the client to determine what it is they’d like to see. Many times, they don’t always know what it is they want, or how to arrive at the outcome they want. With forty years of experience designing award winning landscapes, I’ve come to understand that not only listening to what the client is saying, but many times listening to what it is they aren’t saying can often reveal more about what is is they’re looking for.

There are so many elements to consider when planning a successful landscape. Utilization of space, form, and function, considering who will use the space, existing elements on the site, grades, building elements, the surroundings, neighbourhood, water features, fountains, container gardens, balancing of mass and textures, seasonal colours, project size and so many more play into the formula of a well designed landscape.

But, some might ask – where does this inspiration come from to formulate how all these components will work and play together?
Well, a lot comes from my passion for travel and visiting different landscapes, observing old and new architecture, culture, art, and of course the history. From natural to structured landscapes, old or new, small or large, classic formal to informal, English, French, Mediterranean, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Renaissance, Modern contemporary, Desert, Prairie – all of these add to the palette I’ve accumulated over the years to draw from.

A great garden is a reflection of a cultured lifestyle influenced by personal experiences, travel, art, culture, and history. The following photos are from some of the places that have helped inspire me. I hope they will inspire you as well.