Meet Catriona Stiles, The Garden Designer

A Love For Naturalistic Planting

Catriona Stiles is a garden designer like no other. She combines her in-depth knowledge of engineering with her passion for naturalistic, wildlife friendly planting. The resulting spaces are irresistibly tranquil retreats from the business of everyday life.

Discover more about Catriona’s career path and the inspiration behind her designs in this no-holds-barred interview with Anna Roochove at Arbour Landscape Solutions.

Q: What inspired you to become a garden designer?

A: Having worked in manufacturing facilities since University I was longing to see more daylight and be more in touch with nature. I’m a natural problem solver so this was a career that could marry my logical design with creativity.

Q: How long have you been in practice?

A: Around 4 years.

Q: Where did you train?

A: I haven’t taken the traditional route. I have a BEng Hons Mechanical Engineering so already had CAD, drawing, material and specification skills which were transferrable. For the first two years of my degree I studied Civil and Electrical engineering too. I’ve completed online training in Garden Design, Naturalistic Planting and lots of Construction training. 

Q: Which award winning Chelsea Flower Show gardens inspire you?

A: Definitely warmer tones and softer gardens appeal to me. This year I helped with Butler and Parker’s Garden for the Future. The rammed earth building and planting were very inspirational.

Q: Where do you gain inspiration for your garden designs?

A: I love visiting gardens to find inspiration, Instagram and Pinterest are always useful. My book collection is ever growing.

Q: Do you always tend to work with the same landscaper to install your gardens

A: No, my work is not always in the same area but in my local area I do have preferences.

Q: Tulips or Grasses what are your favourites and why?

A: Grasses – always! So easy to maintain, giving rhythm, movement and structure even in the middle of winter. Favourite is probably Miscanthus Sinensis Morning Light.

Q: In one sentence how would you encapsulate the transformative power of gardens?

A: Mindfulness from being in the garden is so good for our souls, the power of good garden design is to encourage people into their garden, all year round.

Q: What advice would you offer to newly qualified designers?

A: It really useful to know who your target client is and use your marketing to talk to them. Potential clients want to know how you can solve their garden design. Don’t be afraid to be different.

Q: Which trade shows do you like to attend?

A: Futurescape

Q: Which areas of the country do you cover?

A: Kent, Sussex but I have worked on projects in London, Yorkshire..

Q: Do you specify products for your designs?

A: Yes

Q: Are you part of any trade body organisation?

A: APL

Thankyou Catriona for telling us more about your background and your design ethos....we look forward to seeing how your career develops.

If you are a garden designer or a landscaper and would like to be featured in one of our client spotlights, please do get in touch with Anna to arrange an interview - we can't wait to get to know you better.