Award-winning garden designer and Irish Country Magazine columnist Leonie Cornelius shares her best advice for transforming your garden
“One of my all-time favourite quotes about design comes from a book I read many moons ago. In The Alchemist, author Paulo Coelho observes: “What else is design but a method of alchemy… to transform the ordinary into something beautiful, something rare, something usable.” This statement has resonated with me throughout my journey in architecture and garden design. It reflects the essence of what I strive to achieve—transforming spaces into enchanting, wildlife rich havens that fulfil dreams and inspire joy.
“So ahead of Bord Bia Bloom which takes place on the June bank holiday weekend, I thought I would share some magical inspiration for your dream space. Here are my top tips:
Know your space
Take the time to really see your garden space. Look at existing views, sunlight patterns, and how you currently use the area. Note down what you love about it and areas for improvement. This initial assessment will lay the groundwork for your design. Don’t forget that each garden has an inherent magic called genius loci aka. the spirit of a place, which you can build on in your design.
Get to know yourself and the wild
Tailor your garden design to fit your lifestyle and desires. Envision how you’ll utilize the space—whether it’s for family gatherings, relaxation or gardening. Consider specific activities you want to enjoy in the garden, like outdoor dining or reading. More than that however, gardens are spaces where we connect with ourselves, each other and wild nature. It is where our appreciation of nature is nourished and by cultivating the garden, we create a sense of responsibility towards maintaining and safeguarding the wild for future generations.
Celebrate your personal style and taste
Infuse your garden design with your favourite materials, colours and textures. Whether it’s rustic stone pathways, biodiversity, rich wildflower borders or cozy seating areas, let your personal taste guide each decision. Dig deep into your own unique style and aspirations and make this garden a place you want to be in, a place you want to rest and spend time in with others and nature.
Create a concept
A strong concept is the foundation of your design. Mood words are a great way to get started and then thinking about how you want to feel in the garden. In my Bord Bia Bloom garden this year which is called Oír – the Zarbee’s ® Garden, my concept was based around the feeling of connection. It’s about connecting with ourselves, each other and the wild and feeling more balanced and hopeful. This sort of concept can become a wonderful way to approach every design decision you make for your garden.
Immerse yourself in garden inspiration
Immerse yourself in garden media to get to know what you love and what brings you joy. There are so many great resources available online and in print. Explore magazines, online platforms, and garden tours to gather ideas. Create mood boards with images of plants, outdoor furniture and decor that inspire you.
Collaborate actively with a designer
Hiring a garden designer is a great way to create a truly great space, avoiding mistakes and also saving money long term. Engage closely with your them throughout the process and share inspiration images, sketches and preferences. Discuss how you envision different areas of the garden, from pathways to planting beds. This collaboration ensures the final design reflects your vision.
Carefully select plants for emotional impact
Choose plants that evoke positive emotions and suit your garden style. Consider their bloom colours, foliage textures, and seasonal interest for birds, bees and other wildlife. Include varieties that attract specific wildlife or offer fragrance to enhance the sensory experience. Plants bring a garden to life in the most beautiful way and invite wildlife in.
Design functional spaces around needs and activities
Design garden areas to accommodate specific activities you enjoy. Create zones for dining, lounging, gardening or playing. Incorporate practical features like outdoor kitchens, fire pits or water features based on your lifestyle needs.
Go with the seasons
By creating a garden that morphs beautifully through the seasons, we are connecting with the inherent power of seasons and wild. Careful choices in planting and trees mean we can enjoy not just the splendour of summer, but also the skeletal beauty of winter, the seed heads in autumn and the frothy flowers in spring. We can take some valuable lessons from gardens and they can teach us to live in tune with nature and invigorate us as spring arrives.
So, considering Mr. Coehlo’s words – is designing a garden an act of alchemy? It certainly is transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. Surely, that’s some form of alchemy right there!
Leonie’s Oír – the Zarbee’s ® Show Garden will be showing in area 16 of the show garden section of Bord Bia Bloom this June bank holiday weekend. Visit leoniecornelius.com. Pick up the May|June issue of Irish Country Magazine for more fabulous gardening advice and inspiration.
