# Ivy & Whyte Garden Design > Award-winning garden designers working across the South Coast > From contemporary coastal gardens that thrive in sea air to timeless country retreats tucked inland, we design spaces that feel right at home in the South East. --- ## 25 - [Lewes Garden Design](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/lewes-garden-design/): Garden designers serving Lewes. Contemporary & traditional designs. - [Folkestone Garden Design](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/folkestone-garden-design/): Garden designers based near Folkestone. Coastal expertise from our Hythe studio, 10 mins away. Contemporary & traditional garden design. - [Ashford Garden Design](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/ashford-garden-design/): Professional garden designers serving Ashford and surrounding Kent villages. 25 mins from Hythe studio. Book your free garden consultation. - [Deal Garden Design](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/deal-garden-design-kent/): Expert garden designers in Deal, Kent. Coastal & seafront garden specialists. 15 mins from Hythe studio. Book your free consultation. - [Canterbury Garden Design](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/canterbury-garden-design/): Garden designers serving Canterbury and Kent villages. Contemporary & traditional designs. 20 mins from Hythe studio. Free consultation available. - [Front Page 2.0](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/): Award-winning coastal garden designers in Kent & Brighton. SGD & APL registered. Studios in Hythe & Brighton. Free consultations. View our portfolio. - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/frequently-asked-questions/): Common questions about garden design answered. Costs, timelines, what to expect. Free consultation available in Kent & Brighton. - [Brighton Garden Design](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/brighton-landscape-design/): Professional landscape design in Brighton & Sussex. Full design service from our Brighton studio. Contemporary urban gardens & coastal schemes. - [Contact Us](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/contact-us/): Get in touch for a free garden design consultation. Kent studio: Hythe. Brighton studio: Eagle Labs. Call or complete our enquiry form. - [Our Story](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/our-story-garden-designers/): Meet Mark & Annabelle. Award-winning garden design since 2014. Two studios: Hythe, Kent & Brighton. SGD & APL registered. RHS medal winners. - [Services](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/services-garden-design/): Complete garden design services from concept to planting. Site surveys, 3D designs, planting plans & aftercare. Studios in Kent & Brighton. Free consultation. - [News](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/news/): Read some of our expert garden design advice from learning about planting schemes to which materials to use in your garden, coastal and beyond. - [Terms](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/terms-and-conditions-garden-design/): Have a look through Ivy & Whyte Garden Design's terms and conditions for all things relating to garden design in Kent, Sussex and beyond. --- ## 100 - [Creating Shelter in Coastal Gardens: A Windbreak Design Guide](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/shelter-in-coastal-gardens-windbreak-design/): Coastal gardens always have the battle of the wind, so it is important to design with windbreaks in mind to ensure you have a cosy, sheltered garden. - [Garden Design in Brighton: Urban Coastal Style](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/garden-design-in-brighton-urban-coastal/): Garden Design in Brighton comes with beauty but also challenges, here's some of our top tips for transforming your urban coastal space. - [Clifftop Gardens: How to design a sloped garden step by step](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/clifftop-gardens-ivy-and-whyte/): Clifftop gardens present many design challenges, whether this be the harsh coastal environment or the drastic terrain - we can help you design it! - [Top 10 tips for designing a Wind-Resistant Coastal Garden](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/how-to-design-a-wind-resistant-coastal-garden/): When planning your coastal garden planting schemes, it's important to think about timings and Spring is the perfect time to get started in the garden! - [Spring Plans for Coastal Garden Planting](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/spring-plans-for-coastal-gardens/): When planning your coastal garden planting schemes, it's important to think about timings and Spring is the perfect time to get started in the garden! - [Garden Materials - The DOs and DON'Ts](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/garden-materials-ivy-and-whyte-garden-design/): Selecting garden materials is vital for a well designed garden. Read through these Sussex garden design projects and their material palettes. - [Garden Design Tips - 2026 INs & OUTs](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/garden-design-tips-2026/): Here's a list of our top garden design tips for the year and our big no-nos that you want to avoid. Limit mistakes in the garden and make it stylish! - [Win £100 Worth of New Plants - Coastal Planting Design](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/win-coastal-planting-design/): Your chance to win £100 worth of new plants from expert garden designers, the first step in the process of coastal planting design. - [Best 2025 Christmas Present - New Coastal Garden Design Book by Mark Whyte!](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/new-coastal-garden-design-book/): Why the new ‘Coastal Garden Design’ Is the Perfect Christmas Gift for Garden Lovers in 2025. Read about the expertise of coastal garden design. - [Small Garden Design Brighton transformation, 1 Big Style in Tiny Spaces](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/small-garden-design-brighton/): Discover small garden design Brighton. Learn how to transform your courtyard into a stylish, functional outdoor space. - [How to Become a Garden Designer - 3 Different Routes To An Amazing Career](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/how-to-become-a-garden-designer/): Read here to find out how to become a garden designer, our Sussex team discusses how they changed careers to be garden designers. - [Sedum For A Low-Maintenance Garden Design](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/sedum-for-a-low-maintenance-garden-design/): Sedum For A Low-Maintenance Garden Design, a perfect plant for coastal gardens - the drought-proof wonder plant that is sedum. - [Best 5 Perennials](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/garden-design-brighton-best-5-perennials/): Garden Design Brighton - Take a look through our top 5 long flowering perennials and find out how to create a scheme bursting of colour and interest - [Best Planting Plans for Gardens in the South-East](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/planting-plans-for-gardens/): Have a read through why we love to create unique planting plans for gardens. If you need advice on planting plans for coastal garden design.! - [Seaside Garden Inspiration - Amazing Coastal Garden Design](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/coastal-garden-design/): Seaside Garden Inspiration. Coastal garden design which works with the conditions of coastal planting while highlighting the beauty of the coast - [10 Tips - Shocking Secrets to Instantly Transform Your Corten Steel Gardens.](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/corten-steel-gardens/): Corten Steel Gardens design involves lots of planting and material choices. Such a bold material needs to stand out yet enhance a garden. - [Planting Designers, 1 powerful secret to your dream garden](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/planting-designers-near-me/): As planting designers near me, plantings schemes are very important so read through some of our favourite purple and yellow plants! - [5 Crucial Secrets of Coastal Landscapes](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/coastal-landscapes-designers-in-sussex-kent/): Read about how to bring the coastal landscapes into your home. We are award-winning garden designers on the south east coast of the UK. - [Planting on the South Coast - Sussex Planting Ideas](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/sussex-planting-ideas/): Sussex Planting Ideas - We are coastal garden design experts, designing gardens stretching along the south east coast based in Brighton & Kent. - [Kent Landscape Designers](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/kent-landscape-designers/): We are Kent landscape designers that love working with the challenges of coastal landscapes so read all about our tips for gardens along the south east. --- ## 100 - [Deal](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-design-in-deal/): This garden design in Deal Kent includes bespoke corten steel screens with intricate artwork to create a dramatic focal point. - [Sandgate](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-design-in-sandgate-uk/): This traditional garden design in Sandgate was a combine bold sculptural features alongside dramatic colourful planting. A corten steel globe is featured. - [Eastbourne](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-design-eastbourne/): Garden Design Eastbourne - This East Sussex garden features a pergola, circular dining area creating a sophisticated Garden Design Eastbourne. - [Rottingdean](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-design-brighton-rottingdean/): Discover our award-winning Garden Design Brighton project - a Mediterranean-inspired coastal garden featuring Corten steel, colour, and texture. - [Bexhill](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-design-sussex-bexhill/): Garden Design Sussex - this Bexhill garden is a unique wow factor space using a multitude of textures and plants to create adventure and wonder. - [Hove](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-design-hove/): Garden Design Hove project — a stunning, modern garden featuring clever layout, vibrant planting, and inviting areas for family and entertaining. - [Lower Beeding](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-designers-in-brighton-2/): As garden designers in Brighton, we are often faced with the challenge of unusually shaped gardens - this design ties it all together with planting! - [Whitstable](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-design-in-kent/): Have a look at this Garden design in Kent, Wingham, Kent. This garden design is a bold and beautiful example of bespoke planting. - [Hythe](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-design-in-hythe/): A courtyard Garden design in hythe. The coastal town of Hythe was turned into an immersive oasis with bold, hard-landscaping including gorgeous green tiles. - [Brighton](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/small-garden-design-brighton/): Discover our Small Garden Design Brighton project, a modern transformation using clever planting and smart layout for city living. - [Kings Arms](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-design-in-elham-uk/): After this fantastic Garden design in Elham, the pub won the coveted "Best pub in Kent award 2024". Incorporated is a country planting scheme. - [Dymchurch](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/small-garden-design-in-kent/): In this small garden design in Kent our brief was to design a striking, bold and modern garden, perfect for entertaining and relaxing outdoors. - [Canterbury](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-designers-in-canterbury-kent/): Garden Designers in Canterbury Kent. Modern garden design in Canterbury featuring sleek lines and textural planting that blends together. - [Tenterden](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/tenterden-based-garden-design/): Tenterden-based garden design introduced some traditional clay pavers framed beautifully with an array of perennial coloured planting. - [Tiger-Inn](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-design-in-canterbury/): We designed this garden design in Canterbury, an immersive garden, adding height for drama and impact, with bold orange planting. - [Sandwich](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-designers-in-kent-deal/): Garden Designers in Kent - a calming coastal garden design in Kent by Ivy & Whyte Garden Design, proving a calm and tranquil space. - [Folkestone](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-designers-in-kent-3/): A French-inspired entertaining garden design that is clean and simple. Carefully chosen planting softened the edges and brought everything together by us Garden designers in Kent. - [New Romney](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/kent-based-garden-designers/): This beautiful garden from Kent-based garden designers involves bespoke curved concrete structures, beds filled with wispy planting. - [Rye](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-design-in-rye/): A number of aluminium cubes hidden amongst grasses and harmonious perennials provide focal points and balance to this Garden design in Rye - [Pevensey](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-design-in-hastings/): Garden Design in Hastings had dynamic multi-levels created. Planting was a traditional English country garden twist with modern planting. - [RHS 2017](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/rhs-garden-designers/): Hampton Court Flower Show 2017 - We returned as RHS Garden Designers with a special garden for the wonderful charity 'Tusk'. - [Broadstairs](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/garden-design-in-broadstairs/): We created an interesting coastal garden design in broadstairs with a custom sea groyne sculpture and also a secret planting area. - [RHS 2016](https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/portfolio/rhs-garden-design/): Our Award winning RHS Garden Design features a 14 metre by 3 metre was the largest piece at Hampton Court Flower Show 2016 and won us a RHS Silver Gilt medal. --- # # Detailed Content ## 25 --- ## 100 > Coastal gardens always have the battle of the wind, so it is important to design with windbreaks in mind to ensure you have a cosy, sheltered garden. - Published: 2026-05-26 - Modified: 2026-05-26 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/shelter-in-coastal-gardens-windbreak-design/ - Categories: Coastal Gardens - Tags: career garden designer, garden design brighton, garden designer, garden designer kent, How to become a garden designer, landscape designer Why Shelter Matters in Coastal Gardens South Coast of England is truly a beautiful place to live, the close proximity to nature while always being a stone throw away from the sea makes life down here one of the best spots in the country. However, those incredible views of the sea often comes with its own challenges when designing a garden. The conditions can be tough; from strong winds, exposure, considerable amounts of salt and the clay soil, all adds to the harsh environment. Creating a garden here can feel somewhat challenging, when in reality, it can be fairly simple with a few techniques and choosing to design with the wind in mind rather than fighting against it.   Typically, Brighton and Kent has strong prevailing winds along South West coast and the winds can behave differently in gardens. Often it can cause issues with both your plant health, drying out the soil and general outdoor comfort. Below are our top tips for how to tackle a windy garden Wind Break Design Ideas for Coastal Gardens Semi permeable windbreaks Often to stop the winds, people lean towards solid walls and fences to block the winds when instead all you are doing is increasing the chance of wind tunnels and a more uncomfortable space. Instead, the best technique for slowing the winds is to create semi permeable windbreaks, this slows it and allows the wind to pass through. Great examples includes, slatted timber screens, woven structures, coastal multi stem trees. The... --- > Garden Design in Brighton comes with beauty but also challenges, here's some of our top tips for transforming your urban coastal space. - Published: 2026-04-29 - Modified: 2026-04-29 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/garden-design-in-brighton-urban-coastal/ - Categories: Coastal Gardens, Planting Guides - Tags: career garden designer, garden design brighton, garden designer, garden designer kent, How to become a garden designer, landscape designer Hello from our Sussex team of 3; Annabelle, Isabelle and Poppy! We are experts when it comes to garden design in Brighton and designing small urban spaces, with year-round interest acting as an extension of your home. We all live in Brighton and fully understand the demands of urban gardens with little privacy and most of our enquiries are to re-think ways that we can maximise plants without sacrificing space. Small gardens have to work incredibly hard to suit modern lifestyles, providing space to host family and friends, where kids have room to play, maximising growing space and offering a place to switch off from the noise of the city. Brighton is celebrated for its vibrant diversity, regency architecture and lively seafront, so we are never short of inspiration. If you’re looking for some coastal and urban garden inspiration, here are a few of our favourite bits involving all things garden design in Brighton. Brighton Project Cause Study Before our re-design, this urban garden was a rectangle of AstroTurf, with zero planting and an oversized trampoline squeezed down the side. This garden needed to work for a busy family of 4, with space for a trampoline and areas to host and relax. We knew that adding lots of colour and texture was key to this design without taking up too much space. Often in this scenario we start with a linear and a curvy design to work out zoned areas and how the space will flow. We preferred the curvy... --- > Clifftop gardens present many design challenges, whether this be the harsh coastal environment or the drastic terrain - we can help you design it! - Published: 2026-04-28 - Modified: 2026-04-28 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/clifftop-gardens-ivy-and-whyte/ - Categories: Coastal Gardens, Planting Guides - Tags: career garden designer, garden design brighton, garden designer, garden designer kent, How to become a garden designer, landscape designer Clifftop gardens appear to be some of the most challenges spaces for people to design but with the right techniques clifftop gardens can be some of the most beautiful gardens. The regular garden we see day to day is the classic 3 tiered garden with a set of steps to one side taking you all the way up to the top, each section is a lawn space and often is neglected and under used or a large lawn which slopes up to the top of the garden. Throughout this blog post about clifftop gardens I'll take you through the best techniques to tackle these issues. The common challenges with clifftop gardens - how to fix them 1. Create a layered visual appearance  Terracing your clifftop garden can be some of the most successful spaces, it naturally forces you to divide up the space into different sections. When starting to design your space, think about what you want to see in your garden, are you looking for a BBQ space, morning coffee space, large lawn, shade area. Once you have established what you want from your hillside garden, we then need to move onto how to breakup the space.   If you have a large sloped garden, possibly think about breaking up your hillside slope into several different areas, these do not need to be tiered, but this might be the best route. Choose your materials carefully, larger walls are often exposed when you terrace. Ask yourself, are you wanting to... --- > When planning your coastal garden planting schemes, it's important to think about timings and Spring is the perfect time to get started in the garden! - Published: 2026-03-26 - Modified: 2026-03-26 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/how-to-design-a-wind-resistant-coastal-garden/ - Categories: Coastal Gardens, Planting Guides - Tags: career garden designer, garden design brighton, garden designer, garden designer kent, How to become a garden designer, landscape designer Coastal gardens are often considered challenging spaces to design gardens for; often associated with strong winds, clay soil and harsh conditions they are some of the most challenging spaces to consider. As coastal garden designers we have spent the last 10+ years discovering the best methods to create a coastal garden which feels comfortable and is able to adapt with the surrounding environment. Within this blog post, we have created a step by step guide for the things to consider when coastal garden planting. Understanding coastal conditions Before starting even picking up a pen or considering designing what you want to goes into your garden, you need to consider the conditions of your current space in order to assess what coastal garden planting you can have. Wind conditions: First step, go out into your garden throughout the day and consider what direction the wind comes from, note it down. Often gardens along the coast have prevailing winds from the sea, these are strong winds which can effect the comfort in different areas of your garden. You might have a sloped garden or a large tree and so certain areas can feel worse than others. Understanding the salt exposure: Consider how close your garden sits to sea? Are you directly on the coast, we often consider 0-30 meters from the coast as extreme conditions. These conditions means the salt from the sea is carried by the wind and can burn the leaves by drying them out or turn them brown (which... --- > When planning your coastal garden planting schemes, it's important to think about timings and Spring is the perfect time to get started in the garden! - Published: 2026-03-09 - Modified: 2026-03-09 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/spring-plans-for-coastal-gardens/ - Categories: Coastal Gardens, Planting Guides - Tags: career garden designer, garden design brighton, garden designer, garden designer kent, How to become a garden designer, landscape designer Now is a great time to get planting to ensure you have your coastal garden planting sorted for Spring and Summer. To guarantee some stunning blooms and desirable foliage textures, read through some of our favourite planting combinations for your coastal garden. Coastal gardens can be a variety of styles, but we discuss and recommend plants that we know love the coastal climate and can create some 'wow' displays. Timing is important As garden designers specialising in coastal garden planting and design, we work to a planting schedule to make sure that the plants have the best chance of survival. Here are some of our tips when you are planting your coastal garden planting. - Our sweet spot for ideal planting time is September to November, when it's not too hot, and not too cold. This also gives the roots plenty of time to establish by the time Spring comes. - Don't plant in December and January as the ground is too cold! - You can plant again in late Feb to early April, but be aware if there's some dry days you will need water. - Mulching is important to protect the roots and prevent weeds and April is a great time for this. You can even plant in the heat of Summer if you so wish, but please consider you will need to drown the plants to ensure they survive the coastal heat. Wind is no joke along the coast, so make sure any delicate perennials like Delphiniums... --- > Selecting garden materials is vital for a well designed garden. Read through these Sussex garden design projects and their material palettes. - Published: 2026-02-23 - Modified: 2026-02-23 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/garden-materials-ivy-and-whyte-garden-design/ - Categories: Garden Insights - Tags: career garden designer, garden design brighton, garden designer, garden designer kent, How to become a garden designer, landscape designer A huge part of Sussex garden design is contemplating the material palette that will work well with the surroundings, whether this be on the seafront, or in a country retreat. There are some definite rules when it comes to material choices: what to do, and what not to do, and of course there are some exceptions. We will talk you through why we choose certain materials for each of our Sussex garden design projects. What are the varying factors with materials? As much as we would love to choose materials that we are personally obsessed with, we have to consider the below factors before we begin any selection. - Cost: what's the budget of your project? - Size: how big is the garden? The bigger the expanse, the more we will need to break up materials. - Use: what is the area going to be used for? Perhaps to sit on, or perhaps just to walk over. - People and pets: will small children be using the garden? Do you have pets that will destroy some materials? - House: what material is your existing home made from? Will this be changing in the next few years? - Taste: your personal taste matters to us! Let's start by talking about the cost of materials, below is a simple chart displaying the cost of commonly used materials in Sussex garden design projects. If you are going to use an expensive material in perhaps a feature space of the garden, you can always... --- > Here's a list of our top garden design tips for the year and our big no-nos that you want to avoid. Limit mistakes in the garden and make it stylish! - Published: 2026-01-22 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/garden-design-tips-2026/ - Categories: Coastal Gardens, Studio News - Tags: career garden designer, garden design brighton, garden designer, garden designer kent, How to become a garden designer, landscape designer As we start the new year we are offering our essential Garden Design Tips for 2026 and listing our design Ins and Outs for the world of garden design. Have a look on our Instagram to watch the video of our team talking about their design choices for the year. Garden Design Tips - 1 - IN - Warm Colours We really feel that people are moving towards a warmer colour palette when it comes to their garden. So a top garden design tip from us is think warm, but think how to enhance this further. Firstly, here is a list of some of our key plants we recommend for a warm scheme. - Kniphofia 'Alcazar'- Crocosmia 'Lucifer'- Anemanthele lessoniana - Achillea 'Terracotta'- Echinacea 'Sundown'- Geum 'Totally Tangerine' - Heuchera 'Marmalade'- Dahlia 'Totally Tangerine'- Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut'When compiling these plants together it's important to balance the perennials with the grasses - the grasses are Anemanthele and Molinia. To enhance the warmth even more you can consider the hard material palette in the garden too, so thing beige slabs or patterned bronze or orange tiles. Use natural materials like wood and flint gravel. Some of our projects that work with warmth are this Rottingdean project and Whitstable. Garden Design Tips - 2 - IN - Sauna's and Wellness spaces 2025 saw the rise of sauna popularity and we believe this is going to storm into 2026 too, with a lot of our customers asking for sauna spaces. For some small but cute sauna's... --- > Your chance to win £100 worth of new plants from expert garden designers, the first step in the process of coastal planting design. - Published: 2026-01-07 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/win-coastal-planting-design/ - Categories: Coastal Gardens, Studio News - Tags: career garden designer, garden design brighton, garden designer, garden designer kent, How to become a garden designer, landscape designer To celebrate 3 years of Coastal Planting Design, AND the Brighton studio opening, we will be giving you the chance to win £100 worth of plants, hand selected by us Ivy & Whyte and from our suppliers at Palmstead Ltd. We'd like to thank everybody for their support in the past three years with all things garden design and planting design. Whether you follow us for garden inspiration, advice or coastal planting design expertise, we are rewarding you for your following. The chosen winner will get a 2026 garden revamp with the introduction of a new planting palette to kickstart the scheme for you, and delivered to your door by us. Our Planting Design Service From small coastal gardens to large country escapes, we offer planting advice whatever the brief and requirement. If your front garden is in need of a little spruce up, or perhaps you’re ready to experiment with a totally new and bold planting scheme, we are here to help from the initial discussion to the implementation. Our coastal planting design schemes are tailored to your garden’s unique conditions, taking into account the sun and shade, soil type, and how you want to enjoy your space. Whether it’s naturalistic borders, bold structure, or wildlife-friendly planting, each design is rooted in horticultural expertise. We take time to understand your vision, ensuring both beauty is combined with biodiversity to create planting that supports pollinators, birds, as well as year-round interest. Plants are sourced from specialist nurseries to ensure strong,... --- > Why the new ‘Coastal Garden Design’ Is the Perfect Christmas Gift for Garden Lovers in 2025. Read about the expertise of coastal garden design. - Published: 2025-11-27 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/new-coastal-garden-design-book/ - Categories: Studio News - Tags: career garden designer, garden design brighton, garden designer, garden designer kent, How to become a garden designer, landscape designer As the festive season approaches, many of us are searching for meaningful Christmas gifts that inspire creativity and bring joy long after the decorations come down. If you’re buying for someone who loves gardens, design, or the unique charm of the British coastline, Coastal Garden Design by award-winning garden designer Mark Whyte is an exceptional choice. This beautifully crafted book is more than just a guide to gardening near the sea. It is a comprehensive, visually rich manual tailored to the unique climates and conditions found around the UK’s coastline. Whether your loved one lives by the sea, dreams of moving there, or simply enjoys thoughtful garden design, this book offers a wealth of practical insights and artistic inspiration. A Comprehensive Guide to Coastal Gardening in the UK Coastal gardens are some of the most rewarding and challenging spaces to design. Salt-laden winds, sandy soils, and exposure to the elements mean that gardeners must think carefully about structure, planting, materials, and long-term resilience. Coastal Garden Design is one of the few UK-focused books that tackles these challenges head-on, making it an invaluable resource for gardeners and designers alike. Mark Whyte draws on years of professional experience to explore how coastal living shapes our relationship with the land. From the rugged landscapes of the South West to the sheltered bays of Scotland, the book highlights the diversity of the UK coastline and the opportunities it presents for creating both functional and beautiful outdoor spaces. Real Designers, Real Stories One of the... --- > Discover small garden design Brighton. Learn how to transform your courtyard into a stylish, functional outdoor space. - Published: 2025-11-13 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/small-garden-design-brighton/ - Categories: Garden Insights - Tags: career garden designer, garden design brighton, garden designer, garden designer kent, How to become a garden designer, landscape designer 1. Think Vertical: Go Up, Not Out For small garden design Brighton when floor space is limited, the sky’s the limit. Vertical planting is one of the most effective ways to make a small garden feel abundant. Living walls, climbing plants, and tiered planters draw the eye upward and soften hard surfaces. Brighton garden designer tip: Try jasmine, clematis, or ivy on trellis panels — they thrive in Sussex’s mild climate and add year-round texture. Hanging pots or modular green wall systems are great for renters too, as they can be moved or reconfigured easily. 2. Use Mirrors and Lighting to Create Space Strategic use of outdoor mirrors and lighting can visually double your space. A well-placed mirror on a boundary wall creates depth, while subtle LED uplights or solar lanterns highlight plants and add evening ambiance. If your garden faces north (common in Brighton terraces), soft, warm lighting helps counteract shade and keeps the area welcoming after dark. 3. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture In small urban gardens, every piece counts. Opt for furniture that folds, stacks, or doubles as storage. A built-in bench with storage underneath, for example, provides seating and hides clutter like cushions or tools. Choose lighter colours or natural woods to reflect light and maintain a breezy, coastal Brighton feel. 4. Zone the Space — Even If It’s Tiny It might sound counterintuitive, but dividing a small garden into “zones” can make it feel larger. You could have a small dining nook, a planting area, and a... --- > Read here to find out how to become a garden designer, our Sussex team discusses how they changed careers to be garden designers. - Published: 2025-10-23 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/how-to-become-a-garden-designer/ - Categories: Studio News - Tags: career garden designer, garden designer, How to become a garden designer, landscape designer How to become a garden designer is something more people are exploring in recent years, as many of us have started thinking differently about the spaces around us, especially the outdoors. Gardens have become more than just something to look at; they’re an extension of how we live, a place to unwind, and a space to feel connected to nature again. For the three of us in the Sussex office, that connection turned into something much bigger. We all came from creative backgrounds, fashion, architecture, interiors, and each found our own route into the world of garden design. What unites us now is a love of design, materials, plants, and the satisfaction of seeing a space come to life. Poppy – From Fashion Design to Landscape Design I grew up in the Lake District, where my parents spent every weekend in the garden. It was a big, sloping lawn when they bought the house, but over the years they completely transformed it, creating little hideaway corners, a stream, and climbing hydrangeas that covered the cottage walls. It’s the sort of garden you can completely lose yourself in, and I think that’s where my love of plants and design really began — exploring how to become a garden designer and realising how powerful thoughtful landscapes can be. Even so, I took a different route at first. I studied Fashion Design and went on to work for luxury brands. It was exciting, fast-paced and creative, but over time I became more aware... --- > Sedum For A Low-Maintenance Garden Design, a perfect plant for coastal gardens - the drought-proof wonder plant that is sedum. - Published: 2025-08-13 - Modified: 2025-10-30 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/sedum-for-a-low-maintenance-garden-design/ - Categories: Garden Insights If you're looking to create a resilient and beautiful outdoor space, using Sedum For A Low-Maintenance Garden Design is one of the most effective ways to achieve year-round colour, texture, and interest with minimal effort. . What is Sedum? Sedum For A Low-Maintenance Garden Design, commonly known as stonecrop, refers to a large group of succulent perennials known for their low-growing clusters of textural leaves and flowers. Most varieties have thick, fleshy, water-retentive leaves, and their flowers typically bloom from early summer into autumn, depending on the species. Sedums can be bought as sedum turf, small individual plants, clumping varieties, or larger specimens, making them a versatile choice for your planting scheme. We do we Love it? At Ivy and Whyte, we celebrate plants that thrive around the UK south coast.  Sedum is one of our go to plants, because it is resilient, looks amazing and you can use it in so many creative ways. It offers brilliant low growing interest that draws your eye to every corner of the garden and is exceptionally drought-tolerant and low maintenance. It is also a favourite among bees and butterflies!   Sedum boasts a wide variety of colour, ranging from deep burgundy to lime green and silvery tones.  Sedum is used in most of our designs and we always manage to find a variety that compliments our overall planting scheme.   Where do we use it? We commonly use sedum turf in our designs. It’s ideal for softening transitions between materials, creating natural edging, or serving as an alternative... --- > Garden Design Brighton - Take a look through our top 5 long flowering perennials and find out how to create a scheme bursting of colour and interest - Published: 2025-06-02 - Modified: 2025-10-30 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/garden-design-brighton-best-5-perennials/ - Categories: Garden Insights Garden Design Brighton – summer is just around the corner, and this is when your outdoor space truly comes alive. In our garden design Brighton projects, we always focus on creating gardens that continue to look full, vibrant and inspiring across the entire season, not just in short bursts. A huge part of this success comes down to plant selection, which is why we consistently recommend long-flowering perennials that bring lasting colour, texture and movement from spring through to autumn. When approaching any garden design Brighton scheme, we look for plants that offer reliability, pollinator-friendly flowers, and the ability to blend with different planting styles. From modern townhouse courtyards to lush cottage gardens by the sea, Brighton’s coastal climate lends itself beautifully to perennials that thrive in sunny, well-drained conditions — and these varieties never disappoint. Choosing the right plants can transform your garden into a space that feels alive and uplifting all summer long. Whether you're planning a fresh planting scheme, refreshing borders, or working with a garden designer to rethink your layout, these choices will give you a strong foundation for a healthy, high-impact garden that looks good with minimal fuss. Whatever style you prefer, contemporary, cottage, coastal, or relaxed wild garden, these plants are firm favourites in our garden design Brighton studio. Remember: these are all sun-loving, low-maintenance perennials, so be sure to place them in warm, sunny spots with free-draining soil where they will thrive and reward you year after year. . 1) Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’A... --- > Have a read through why we love to create unique planting plans for gardens. If you need advice on planting plans for coastal garden design.! - Published: 2025-04-23 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/planting-plans-for-gardens/ - Categories: Coastal Gardens At Ivy & Whyte Garden Design, we specialize in coastal plants. When creating planting plans for gardens, we’re always on the lookout for resilient, characterful plants that truly thrive in the unique, exposed conditions of the South Coast. One plant that continually earns its place in high-quality coastal planting plans for gardens is Euphorbia myrsinites, better known as myrtle spurge. Based across Brighton and Hythe, Kent, we’ve rigorously trialled and tested many plants in exposed, sunny, and salty conditions — and without fail, this one always proves itself a coastal star. Whether tumbling luxuriously over a raised bed, punctuating a gravel garden, or softening the edge of a sunny pathway, it has that rare ability to stop people in their tracks. It’s a plant with presence—bold enough to hold its own, yet subtle enough to blend seamlessly into naturalistic, contemporary, and Mediterranean-style garden design schemes for which we provide planting plans for gardens. Why Euphorbia myrsinites is Key in Coastal Planting Plans for Gardens There’s something unmistakably otherworldly about Euphorbia myrsinites. It isn’t just another perennial; it brings sculptural drama and personality. With spiralling, geometric stems and blue-grey, fleshy leaves arranged in symmetrical whorls, it offers an architectural effect that is easily translated into striking planting plans for gardens. It looks like it’s been plucked from a modern art installation, adding structure without feeling heavy or formal. Each rosette-like shoot appears almost sculpted, providing a dynamic, repeating pattern. It’s this balance between softness and structure that makes Euphorbia myrsinites incredibly... --- > Seaside Garden Inspiration. Coastal garden design which works with the conditions of coastal planting while highlighting the beauty of the coast - Published: 2025-01-23 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/coastal-garden-design/ - Categories: Coastal Gardens Introduction At Ivy & Whyte creating a coastal garden design that captures the serene beauty of the seaside while standing up to harsh coastal conditions can be a rewarding challenge. One versatile and stylish material that is perfect for this environment is railway sleepers. Their rugged charm, durability, and natural look make them an excellent choice for coastal garden design. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of using railway sleepers, creative applications for them in your coastal garden, and tips to maintain their beauty and longevity. The Appeal of Railway Sleepers The Appeal of Railway Sleepers Railway sleepers, traditionally used to support train tracks, are known for their robust and sturdy nature. They have recently found a new life in coastal garden design due to their rustic appeal and incredible versatility. Made from either hardwood or treated softwood, these sleepers are built to withstand the elements, making them an ideal, durable choice for any coastal garden design project. Benefits of Using Railway Sleepers in Coastal Garden Design When you're planning a coastal garden design, durability is non-negotiable. Railway sleepers offer distinct advantages: Durability: Railway sleepers are designed to endure heavy loads and harsh conditions, making them perfect for coastal gardens where wind, salt, and sun exposure can be challenging. Natural Aesthetic: The weathered look of railway sleepers adds a rustic charm that perfectly complements the natural, rugged beauty of a seaside or coastal garden design setting. Versatility: Sleepers can be used in a huge variety of garden applications,... --- > Corten Steel Gardens design involves lots of planting and material choices. Such a bold material needs to stand out yet enhance a garden. - Published: 2024-01-23 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/corten-steel-gardens/ - Categories: Coastal Gardens, Garden Insights Garden design is an art form that enables homeowners to express their creativity while improving their outdoor living spaces. Among the most dramatic and flexible materials currently popular in modern garden design, none compares to Corten steel gardens. Because of its rustic, weathered appearance and high durability, Corten steel can turn your garden into a contemporary work of art. The purpose of this article is to identify the unique characteristics of Corten steel, describe the many different uses for Corten steel in garden design, and provide suggestions for using Corten steel in your outdoor space. What is Corten Steel? Corten steel, also known as weathering steel, is a group of steel alloys that develop a stable rust-like appearance when exposed to the elements. Not only does the appearance created by the development of this surface have aesthetic appeal, but it also serves as a protective layer to prevent future corrosion. Therefore, the material can combine the strength of steel with a unique, changing patina that complements nature beautifully. If you're looking for a material that seamlessly combines industrial-chic with natural warmth, then Corten steel is your material. This unbelievable, self-weathering alloy has transformed modern garden design. While traditional metals may require regular painting or sealing to maintain their appearance, Corten steel develops a stable, rust-like patina that creates a beautiful contrast to greenery when used in outdoor spaces. In our ultimate guide to Corten steel gardens, we'll outline how you can use this versatile material to create stunning Cardens with... --- > As planting designers near me, plantings schemes are very important so read through some of our favourite purple and yellow plants! - Published: 2023-07-23 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/planting-designers-near-me/ - Categories: Planting Guides Creating a colourful and attractive garden is one of the most enjoyable ways to enrich your outdoor living area. And if you're searching for a combination sure to grab everyone's attention, take a look at Purple & Yellow Plants! The combination of these colours for planting designers, creates a striking contrast that immediately captures people's eyes and provides a dynamic visual experience. In this blog post, we'll share our knowledge as planting designers, explore the beauty of complementary colours, offer simple ideas for effectively combining their energy, and share some of the best plants available to help you get started! Why Does the Combination of Bold Colours Work So Well? As planting designers we use complementary colours all the time - colours that exist directly across from each other on the traditional colour wheel. The direct opposition of these two colours produces a very strong, vibrant, energised effect; basically they make each other stand out! Purple is generally associated with elegance, imagination, and serenity, while yellow is synonymous with happiness, excitement, and warmth. When combined, they create a perfect balance of peacefulness and energy. Using Your Colour Scheme in Your Garden Layout - Practical Ideas for Planting DesignersWhen designing a garden layout, plant designers don't only think about the colour of the flowers; there are many other factors to consider. Use the following tips to get the most value out of your bold colour scheme: Create a Focal Point: Create a statement piece in your garden that draws the viewer's... --- > Read about how to bring the coastal landscapes into your home. We are award-winning garden designers on the south east coast of the UK. - Published: 2022-06-01 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/coastal-landscapes-designers-in-sussex-kent/ - Categories: Coastal Gardens Along the captivating shores of the South Coast of the United Kingdom, where land meets sea, a harmonious interplay between landscaping and architecture unfolds. Here, amidst the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, the fusion of natural beauty and human ingenuity gives rise to landscapes that seamlessly integrate with the built environment. In this blog post, we explore the dynamic relationship between landscaping and architecture on the South Coast, highlighting how thoughtful design principles and innovative techniques converge to create stunning coastal retreats. Coastal design is so much more than just building a home near the ocean; it's about bringing architecture and landscaping into a harmonious relationship. Here on the south coast of the U. K. , where the land has been shaped by thousands of years of wave action and coastal erosion, there is no shortage of dramatic coastal landscapes to draw upon. From dunes to rocky cliffs and everything in between, coastal design offers an ideal opportunity for creative problem-solving and for designers to demonstrate their skills. While the South Coast offers a unified experience when visiting its many towns and villages, the dramatic geology of the coastline provides a diverse and challenging backdrop for design. Strong prevailing winds, high levels of salt spray, and large tidal movements all combine to create a difficult, demanding landscape in which to build. However, rather than seeing this as a hindrance, designers can draw inspiration from the local landscape, the texture of sea air, and the dramatic changes in the tide to create buildings that are uniquely suited to each location. By doing so, designers can create buildings that evoke a sense of place and celebrate the unique characteristics of the local coastal landscape, while remaining mindful of the ecosystem's fragility. To create buildings that seamlessly integrate the indoor and outdoor environments, designers need to think beyond small windows. Instead, we are talking about using large expanses of glass, bi-folding doors that slide into walls, and designing outdoor living spaces as genuine extensions of... --- > Sussex Planting Ideas - We are coastal garden design experts, designing gardens stretching along the south east coast based in Brighton & Kent. - Published: 2021-04-01 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/sussex-planting-ideas/ - Categories: Coastal Gardens Nestled along the picturesque South Coast of the United Kingdom lies a horticultural paradise, where gardens flourish amidst the salty sea air and temperate maritime climate. From the lush gardens of Cornwall to the manicured landscapes of Kent, the South Coast offers a diverse tapestry of flora and fauna waiting to be embraced by green-thumbed enthusiasts. In this blog post, we delve into the art of horticultural planting tailored specifically for the unique microclimates and coastal conditions of the South Coast. Specialised Sussex Planting Ideas Along the beautiful coastline of the UK South, where the cool ocean air meets the temperate maritime climate, gardeners are both challenged and blessed by their location. From the gardens of Kent to those of Sussex, the south coast offers a broad palette of flowering plants for garden designs. We have experience with all of these different coastal microclimates as garden designers working primarily in the Brighton area of Sussex. This article will examine the art of designing gardens using tailored planting schemes for the region's diverse microclimates and share some of the best Sussex garden planting ideas. Utilising the Unique Characteristics of the Coastal Micro-Climate for Your Sussex Planting Ideas The south coast of the UK is known for its unique microclimates, shaped by the influence of the ocean and varied elevations. Coastal areas tend to have milder winters and cooler summer temperatures than inland regions, creating a perfect environment for growing a variety of plants. When choosing your Sussex garden planting ideas, consider your garden's microclimate and select plants adapted to coastal environments. For example, seaside goldenrod, sea lavender and beach aster do exceptionally well in the sandy soils and high salinity of many Sussex gardens. Resistant to Coastal Conditions: Top Sussex Planting Ideas  In addition to the benefits of having a coastal garden, there are also many challenges associated with it, including salt spray, strong winds and soil erosion. It requires careful thought and design to create a resilient coastal garden. To create... --- > We are Kent landscape designers that love working with the challenges of coastal landscapes so read all about our tips for gardens along the south east. - Published: 2020-12-01 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://www.ivyandwhyte.com/kent-landscape-designers/ - Categories: Coastal Gardens Nestled along the stunning South Coast of the United Kingdom lies a tapestry of coastal landscapes that inspire awe and tranquility. From the rugged cliffs of Dorset to the sandy shores of Sussex, the South Coast boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and maritime heritage. For homeowners fortunate enough to call this region home, landscaping presents a wonderful opportunity to harmonize with the coastal environment while enhancing the charm and character of their properties. We explore how Kent landscape designers can tailor their designs to fit the South Coast properties in this blog post, and the design principles, plant choices and sustainability methods used by Kent landscape designers who specialise in South Coast properties. Embrace Coastal Character with Kent Landscape Design For landscape design for South Coast properties (especially in Kent), the first step is to celebrate and reflect the coastal environment. Whether your home looks out onto the English Channel in Hythe or is tucked away in a charming village, draw inspiration from the surroundings. Local Kent landscape designers will have experience in incorporating elements such as driftwood, beach pebbles, and native stones to create features that naturally reflect the coastal setting. Resilient Design in Kent landscape design  South Coast homes are exposed to a range of weather conditions, including high winds, salt-laden air, and infrequent storms. When designing your Kent garden, prioritise resilience and durability to withstand these weather conditions. Plants for South Coast gardens Select hardy, salt-tolerant plants such as sea thrift (Armeria), sea kale (Crambe maritima), and lavender that grow in sand and salty environments. These types of plants are familiar to local Kent landscape designers, who will know which perform well in the area throughout the year. Protection - Windbreaks Windbreaks made up of hedges, coastal shrubs, etc. , will protect your more delicate plants and provide sheltered outdoor areas in your Kent garden. Sustainable Water-Wise Landscaping for South Coast Homes The importance of conserving water cannot be overstated,... --- --- ## 100 ---