Gardens with a life of their own.

Beautiful, personal gardens designed with care for the people who enjoy them — and the nature that already calls them home.

Explore my work →

Newly planted border beside a characterful brick garden building

Dorothy’s photograph of a bumblebee on purple verbena flowers

How I see gardens

Every garden has a story, long before I arrive.

The trees that have stood there for decades, the birds that return each spring, the bees moving between flowers. These are the things I notice first.

I believe a garden is never truly ours. We are simply its guardians for a little while.

My approach to design begins with understanding what is already there, respecting its character and finding ways to create something beautiful without losing what makes it special.

A garden should be a place where nature and people belong together.

Dorothy’s photograph of a mature moss-covered tree with spreading branches

From the first pencil mark

Every garden begins somewhere.

Some gardens have been growing for generations. Others begin with little more than bare ground, compacted soil and the possibility of what might grow there.

I love both. Whether I'm working around mature trees or creating a garden for a new home, I begin by understanding the space and imagining how it could grow — for people, plants and wildlife.

My designs are hand drawn. Pencil and paper give me the freedom to explore a space, work through the details and bring each idea to life, from the first concept through to the finished design.

A little about me

Hello, I'm Dorothy.

I'm the person behind Fern & Heather, a garden designer who came into design through a love of gardening, plants and everything outdoors.

I've always felt happiest surrounded by nature. There's something wonderful about watching a garden grow, noticing the little changes through the seasons and discovering something new, even in a garden I've known for years.

I absolutely love what I do. There's something so exciting about looking at a garden and imagining all the possibilities. I love sitting down with my pencils, letting ideas take shape on paper and slowly turning them into a design.

Coming from a gardening background means I know gardens beyond the drawing board. I understand how plants grow, how they change through the seasons and how a garden gradually finds its character.

Whether it's an established garden with beautiful mature trees or a completely empty new-build plot, I love finding the possibilities in each space and creating something that feels right for the people who will enjoy it.

For me, the loveliest gardens aren't necessarily the grandest or the most perfect. They're the ones that feel alive, where people feel at home and nature has a place too.

Burgundy hellebores growing among fine ornamental grasses

From first ideas to finishing touches

How I Can Help

Every garden is different, and so is every person who loves it. Whether you're starting with a blank canvas or looking to bring new life to an established garden, I'm here to help you find what feels right for your space.

Garden & Landscape Design

From the first ideas to a thoughtful, detailed design, I'll work with you to create a garden that feels natural, welcoming and truly yours. Whether it's the whole garden or just one part of it, we'll look at how the space can work beautifully for you.

Planting Design

Plants are at the heart of everything I do. I love bringing together colours, textures and seasonal interest, choosing plants that will not only look beautiful but feel at home in your garden.

Bringing Your Garden to Life

A design is only the beginning. I can help coordinate the work, work alongside the people bringing it to life, and be there for the planting to make sure everything comes together as we imagined.

Garden Consultations

Sometimes all you need is a fresh pair of eyes and a little guidance. I'm always happy to walk around your garden with you, listen to your ideas and help you see its possibilities.

Looking After What We've Created

Once the planting is complete, I can prepare a personalised garden care plan, giving you the confidence to look after your new plants and enjoy watching your garden grow and settle into its surroundings.

Let's talk about your garden →

A little guidance

A Few Questions You Might Have

Do I really need a garden designer?

Not every garden needs a complete redesign. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh pair of eyes, a little guidance and someone who can see the possibilities you might not have considered.

Whether you're starting from scratch, struggling with a particular area or dreaming of something completely different, I'm happy to help you find the right way forward.

What's the difference between a gardener, a landscaper and a garden or landscape designer?

It's easy to get a little confused, as our work often overlaps.

A gardener generally looks after an existing garden, keeping plants healthy and everything growing beautifully.

A landscaper usually carries out the practical work of creating a garden, such as building paths, patios, steps and other features.

A garden or landscape designer looks at the bigger picture — how a space should look, feel and work. From the overall layout and structure to choosing the right plants, it's about bringing all the different elements together into a garden that feels right for you.

My role can also include helping to coordinate the work and being there during planting, so the garden we've imagined together becomes a reality.

Do I need to know exactly what I want before contacting you?

Not at all. You might have a head full of ideas, a collection of photographs, or simply a feeling that your garden could be something more.

That's absolutely fine. We can start with a conversation, explore what you love and what isn't working, and take it from there.

Can you help if I only want to change part of my garden?

Of course! Not every garden needs to be redesigned from the beginning. Sometimes it's one tired border, an awkward corner or an area that simply doesn't feel quite right.

I'm just as happy helping you rediscover a small part of your garden as I am designing an entirely new space.

Will you be involved when the garden is being created?

Yes, I can be involved beyond the design itself. Depending on your project, I can help coordinate the work, work alongside the people bringing the design to life and be there for the planting.

I care about how a garden comes together, not just how it looks on paper, and I want the finished space to feel every bit as lovely as we imagined.

What happens once my garden has been planted?

A garden doesn't stop growing once the last plant is in the ground. In many ways, that's when its story really begins.

I can provide a personalised garden care plan, with guidance on watering, pruning and seasonal care, to help you feel confident looking after your new garden as it settles in and develops over time.

Selected work · Planting design

Gardens that grow into themselves.

Thoughtful planting brings structure, colour and changing interest through the seasons. This border is part of a garden where I've developed the planting, working with its existing character.

Enquire about a project →