Garden design created in AsterSketch showing a detailed planting plan for a Suffolk drought-tolerant sunny garden

Design by Janine Joyce in AsterSketch

Beautifully Resilient
Garden Design

Planting Design by Janine Joyce in AsterSketch

Illustrated garden design by Janine Joyce in AsterSketch with resilient planting, flowering trees, ornamental grasses, and a winding gravel path.

‍ ‍
We
are
all
shaped
by experience

Front garden, Bury St Edmunds, designed by Janine Joyce in AsterSketch

Design Process

Every natural space has evolved uniquely and deserves to be treated with respect.

At the beginning of the design process, all aspects of the garden are closely observed, including its topography, soil, aspect and existing plants, and new ideas evolve in harmony with these observations. Alongside this, I listen carefully to my clients, to their needs and ideas for the garden, as well as its history and their emotional connections to the space. Thoughtful and considered garden designs grow out of this process which work with both the environment and the people using the garden.

Taking inspiration from nature, this aesthetic is then artfully designed to evoke atmosphere and create an immersive natural space.

We
‍ ‍ are all ‍
‍ ‍ shaped‍ by
experience

Front Garden, Bury St Edmunds, designed by Janine Joyce in AsterSketch

View through open wooden doors of a sunny gravel garden patio in Suffolk designed by Janine Joyce.
View through open wooden doors of a sunny gravel garden patio in Suffolk designed by Janine Joyce.

Gravel garden, Wenhaston, Suffolk

Gravel garden, Wenhaston, Suffolk

Resilience and Biodiversity

Janine Joyce Garden Design is passionate about creating gardens which are biodiverse and provide maximum benefit to the wildlife with whom we share our space. Equally important is an endeavour to create a resilient planting palette for our changing climate. I meticulously research and match plants to soil, aspect and environment to strive for resilience and longevity, as well as keeping up-to-date with new findings in the field. Wherever possible, existing materials onsite are repurposed and healthy trees are retained.

Render of planting palette created by Janine Joyce in AsterSketch showing layered tapestry of mixed planting.

Plant palette carefully selected by Janine is visualised as a group in AsterSketch

Mixed Planting Style

Mixed planting creates a beautifully resilient design .

Climate resilience - mixing different plant species into one space is more resilient as a whole in the face of changing weather patterns and increasing temperatures.

Biodiversity and soil health - mixed planting supports and improves the soil microbiome, attracts pollinators and helps to handle heavy rain. A highly diverse plant palette fills the soil with beneficial organisms making it harder for harmful diseases to take hold.

Multi-layered tapestries - the design is anchored year-round by vertical and structural elements, including evergreen trees or shrubs where possible. Even in small spaces, trees are celebrated, and can be chosen for their multi-stems, blossom, fruit or stunning foliage colour. Other vertical accents could be added by standing dead wood and tree branch sculptures or weathered driftwood, to create mesmerising organic art as well as habitat for insects.

Texture - An aromatic and textured layer is then interwoven with different foliage shapes, textures and colour tones to create a living tapestry of plants. Weaving together the layers, and creating a contrast with delicate, airy or architectural leaves, are grasses and ferns. Vibrant ground cover suppresses weeds and retains moisture. Carefully selected native wildflowers add a delicate beauty and resilience. Self-seeders allow for an ever-evolving, naturalistic look.

A dynamic, evolving, beautiful community of resilient plants is created
breathing life into your garden and your soul.

Landscaped gravel garden with ornamental grasses, succulents, shrubs, and a small red-roofed cottage under a blue sky
Detailed landscape design plan showing a residential garden layout with labeled plants, trees, shrubs, flower beds, pathways, and a plant legend.

The design of Janine’s evolving experimental dry garden in East Herts, which includes Mediterranean flowering shrubs, herbs and native wildflowers, with gravel and sand as a top layer to lock in moisture during periods of drought and prevent root rot during wet winters. Follow progress on Instagram @janinejoycegardendesign and in my blog

Plant selection board featuring trees, shrubs, subshrubs, grasses, and perennials with botanical names and photographs.

Mood board of planting palette created in AsterSketch