Greenwich herbaria

03/04/2026

Spring Sprung: New gardens popping up across SE London! 🌿 We’ve been surveying sites in Charlton, measuring up in Greenwich, and creating concept plans for a back-garden renovation in SE7. Read the full update and see what we’re working on: https://wix.to/iaQNJX3

While the weather is seemingly undecided, things are cracking on garden wise either design, planting or client garden care. Its that time of year when we're working on a variety of horti things thus this week a typically eclectic week around SE London! A basic plan for part renovation of a redundant...

17/03/2026

Sunny SE3 Spring Garden Planting! 🌞 Quick video showing a sunny spring garden makeover in SE3 — fresh plant choices, neat layout and a touch of seasonal colour. Watch the full post and get inspired to refresh your own space: https://wix.to/QyHUI0y

Quick vid today on a sunny spring garden makeover in SE3!

14/03/2026

SE7 Garden Design Build Update ! — our design is now brought to life by James and the London Groundwork team. Landscaping complete and planting begins in April for a summer spectacular. In a compact space, strong proportions and structure create an elegant yet functional garden. Read the short update and see the photos: https://wix.to/dVZEo88

Just a quick update regarding a blog featuring an SE7 project a few weeks ago. James and the team at London Groundwork have completed their landscaping magic in bringing our design to life. We're aiming to start planting up in April for a summer spectacular! IMG_9126.MOV

13/03/2026

Shrubs, Back to the Future?! Discover why hardy shrubs are the unsung heroes of great gardens — providing year-round structure, winter interest and the backbone for those showy herbaceous perennials. Read the short, insightful post by Ian Robertson and rethink your planting palette. https://wix.to/CFQMVSe

Many a Chelsea garden or trendy gardening book will extoll herbaceous perennials. Indeed stylistically 'forbs' (another name for HP's) are/were key to cottage gardens, the New Perennial movement and now 'Soft Modernism' garden design. For sure forbs are excellent for providing stunning aesthetics at...

03/03/2026

Breaking ground in SE7! Our Charlton garden design is finally under construction — big thanks to James and the London Groundwork team for getting the structure sorted despite grim weather. Can’t wait to watch this jungle come to life. Read more and follow the project: https://wix.to/DGpf3k1

Great to see the build start on a Charlton design from last year. The weather has been grim for those outdoors so hopefully the sun will shine with the longer days. A usual James and the London Groundwork team are working their magic! 6ccd4536-1871-4955-8900-9aedb67dd884 2.MP4Nadine Street 11 for bl...

17/02/2026

Discover the horticultural history hidden in Greenwich street names (A-B). 🌿 Dive into the origins and meanings behind local roads and their botanical connections — a short, fascinating read (2 min). Read more: https://wix.to/exSdXrI

Etymology or street name meaning of Greenwich borough to investigate its horticultural past...

10/02/2026

Meet the Love-Flower: Agapanthus 'Lapis luzuli' 🌿💙 Perfect for SE London gardens and pots — hardy in varied soils and great with our soggy Feb weather. Watch last summer’s clip and fall for this bloom. Read more: https://wix.to/unmEmA7

IMG_7021.MOVAs it continues to rain this soggy Feb we thought a good time to post a nice vid from last summer of a fantastic garden plant that does well in SE London gardens. Agapanthus has many common names but originally derives from the Greek 'Agape' = Love + 'anthos' = Flower. There's many reaso...

09/02/2026

Weeds or wildflowers? 🌿 In our latest blog we explore the familiar plants that thrive across Blackheath — often dismissed as weeds but actually well-suited to our SE London microclimate and soils. Learn to see them differently and decide which to keep, which to manage, and which to welcome. Read more: https://wix.to/z5kw0h4

Whether surveying a garden for future design or attending during a garden care session we do see the same familiar plants. While usually considered weeds due to their abundance and ability to dominate a site, they're essentially thriving in our SE London microclimate and soil. A common definition of...

06/02/2026

Looking for a Valentine’s gift that keeps on giving? 🌿 Our latest blog shows charming plants like Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) — delicate in looks but tough in the garden. Perfect for a green-fingered loved one and ideal for semi-shade. Read more for simple, thoughtful plant ideas and design tips: https://wix.to/vhOrGqq

Looking for a different valentines gift for a green-fingered loved-one, then why not try these ! 1) Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) - they look delicate both flower and foliage-wise, but are tough as old boots. You may have seen the white version too ('Alba'), but both in our experience are gr...

06/02/2026

A quick peek behind the scenes: early concept work for a Greenwich garden using SketchUp to visualize 3D layouts, screen neighbouring properties and explore privacy solutions — all before formal design begins. https://wix.to/Td0pawy

05/02/2026

Design your garden for just £20? Almost — three excellent used design & gardening books on eBay make it possible to learn the essentials without breaking the bank. From Garden History by Tom Turner (a brilliant timeline of gardening philosophy and plans) to other student-friendly references, these picks are perfect for beginners and budding designers. Read the quick roundup and where to find them: https://wix.to/1sreT6b

Ok, not literally (!). BUT while everything seems to go up in price, for a mere £20 you can buy 3 fantastic used design & gardening books from eBay (other 2nd hand dealers are available!). We highly recommend these especially to the student or amateur alike as great learning & reference resources. ...

04/02/2026

Designing a garden that thrives on gravel, clay, chalk or silt? Our latest blog breaks down practical tips for South London soils — from sticky clay to chalky Westcombe Park patches — so you can choose the right plants, drainage and layout for your plot. Read the short guide and get inspired. https://wix.to/zHXEZTO

Our part of South London can be tricky for gardeners due to the different types of geology and hence soil in a relatively small geographic area. We've seen super sticky clay soil at Shooters Hill, gravels in Blackheath village, chalky Westcombe Park & silty riverside Greenwich gardens! Add to that h...