Interview with Emma Atkinson

Emma started her career initially as a Landscape Architect, working on much larger scale projects, which mostly included new or existing housing developments. 

This scale of work is what inspired her to start designing at a smaller, more focused and refined scale, as she felt often as Landscape Architects it was difficult to push new designs or alternative planting palettes in a world of tight budgets and low maintenance requirements.

Now primarily focusing on private outdoor spaces and gardens. Her passion for designing spaces that really evoke emotion, whilst being practical and usable for the whole family. Recently becoming a mother of two has inspired her to really push the boundaries between adventure and play without compromising on planting aesthetic.

About You

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your style of garden design?

I have recently become a mum of two and I feel this has shaped my design style, more than I had anticipated. Now when designing I am reminded of the balance needed between both aesthetic and adventure. I want to create spaces that are full of fun and exploration, through meaningful planting.

My designs are also always very mindful of the environment, but in particular bumble bees and what we can do to support many of the species that are facing extinction. I therefore worked closely with the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust over the years to expand this knowledge and raise awareness.

Who are your top 3 influential figures in the industry?  

I love Manoj Malde’s style and approach to creating ‘outdoor rooms’. I take inspiration from Pollyanna Wilkinson’s planting aesthetic and I love Gina Taylor of East London Garden Design approach to urban spaces. 

What is your favourite Agriframes product and how would you use it?

My favourite product is the new Coronation Obelisk. I love the heritage gold finish which compliments any backdrop, but also how it can work as a statement structure in the winter months to add more interest to a border.

Equally, in the summer months it is perfect to train sweet peas and support peonies. It’s all round a gorgeous obelisk!

Equally, in the summer months it is perfect to train sweet peas and support peonies. It’s all round a gorgeous obelisk!

Garden Insights

Are there any plants that consistently surprise you with their growth habit, texture, or seasonal interest in this garden?

A plant that continues to surprise me in how versatile and adaptable it can be is Nepeta x faassenii Six Hills Giant. I love the longevity of interest it provides, producing tiny purple flowers from Spring through to pretty much the end of Summer/ beginning of Autumn. It’s a tolerant little plant that can withstand a lot which is perfect for the climatic changes we are seeing more and more throughout the UK.

Another reason I love it is because the bees love it! They are huge fans of the striking purple flowers. It can also be cut vigorously back around May, helping to manage its growth, but will bounce back within a few weeks.

Do you work on projects of varied sizes? What’s either the smallest or biggest size you have worked on

Yes absolutely. I have worked on a huge variety of projects from the tiniest 2.4m x 2.4m border at Belvoir to large, new parks in Kent.

Large scale park design or master planning is where I used to feel most comfortable, but I’ve grown to love working at the smaller scale. Small areas really make you work harder when it comes to design and selecting the right choice of planting, as every tiny detail is scrutinised. 

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career so far?

The show gardens I have completed for Belvoir Castle and BBC Gardeners World have definitely been my biggest challenge so far. I loved the whole process, but it certainly came with its stress in terms of ensuring the plants were in flower and peak condition for that particular week. Unfortunately I had lots of plant casualties to contend with due to the hot weather last year so some last minute substitutes were needed! 

Garden Advice

Are there any current trends in garden design that you find particularly interesting?

Water sensitive design. This is becoming increasingly important to ensure that we are designing spaces that are going to last for generations to come. A combination of drought - tolerant and flooding resilient planting is being more widely used in addition to innovative rainwater harvesting and irrigation systems. I love that designers are being more playful in their approach to managing water within spaces and I look forward to seeing how this continues to grow. 

What is your go-to resources (books, websites, local groups) that you would recommend?

As a landscape architect, Landezine used to be my best friend. I’ve spent hours scrolling for inspiration and ideas and still often use it now. I also find my best inspiration for planting techniques and palettes often come from a mixture of books often found hidden in charity shops. Some of my go to books include: Beth Chatto: A life with Plants and Tom Massey’s Resilient Garden. 

Visiting local garden centres and nurseries is also an invaluable way for me to get a feel for how different plants could work in a space and how they’ll complement each other.

Can you share some of the gardens you've loved visiting?

Recently I visited the beautiful gardens of Sissinghurst, which emulates the English Garden style. Another one of my favourite gardens I visited a few weeks ago is Helmsley Walled Garden in North Yorkshire; it’s one of the RHS’ partner gardens which I feel is a bit of a hidden gem.

In complete contrast, I visited the famous Jardin Marjorelle in Marrakech last year which I would thoroughly recommend, the striking blue and lush greens is definitely something I would like to include in my own garden.