The journal

Notes from the studio.

Things we've learned in a hundred and twenty gardens: honest, practical writing on planting, soil, wildlife and the odd argument about hedges. New notes most months.

Illustration of terraced planting beds in late-afternoon light
Planting · 12 June 2026 · 6 min read

Stop fighting your clay: a planting palette that loves heavy soil

Chilterns clay breaks hearts and spades in equal measure. Here are the plants that genuinely thrive in it (no gypsum, no grit, no gimmicks) and the three habits that matter more than any soil improver.

Illustration of a wildflower meadow at golden hour
Wildlife · 24 April 2026 · 7 min read

Rewilding a small garden without letting it turn into a wasteland

“Wild” and “abandoned” are not the same thing. How to bring meadow, deadwood and water into a suburban plot, and the framing tricks that keep it looking loved rather than lost.

Illustration of an orchard in blossom above long meadow grass
Trees · Coming soon

The case for planting a tree you will never sit under

Oaks, mulberries and the strange optimism of orchard planting. Priya on choosing trees for the person who owns your house in 2080.

Illustration of a courtyard garden lit at dusk
Design · Coming soon

Small garden, big night: designing for after dark

Most town gardens are used most between 7pm and 10pm. Why we design courtyards for the evening first and the afternoon second.