Initial consultation
We begin by discussing your garden, your priorities and how you would like to use the space. This forms the brief and helps establish the practical requirements for the project.
ABOUT BOTANICAL SPACES
Thoughtful gardens with planting at their heart.
Botanical Spaces is the garden design studio of Elisabeth Wright-McCalla, creating private gardens, planting schemes and concepts for community spaces.
The studio brings together garden design, planting and a visual approach shaped by art and observation. Alongside private gardens, I am interested in developing community spaces with a purpose beyond the garden itself: places where planting can sit alongside art, music and shared activity, creating spaces for creativity and connection as well as somewhere to pause, rest and spend time.
DISCOVER THE PROCESS ↓THE APPROACH
Designing from the site outwards
Every garden begins with understanding the space: its light, aspect, soil, levels, architecture, existing planting and how it needs to function.
These conditions guide the layout, materials and planting, allowing the design to grow naturally from the character of the site rather than imposing a particular style.
Plants are chosen for structure, seasonal interest, resilience and wildlife value, with consideration for how the garden will change and mature over time.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
From first ideas to a finished garden
Understanding the site
The garden is surveyed to understand its dimensions, levels and existing conditions. Light, aspect, soil, planting, boundaries, access and drainage are considered before the design begins.
Concept development
One or two initial design concepts are developed in response to the brief and the site. Depending on the project, these may include layout plans, mood boards, material ideas, planting direction and 3D visualisations.
Design refinement
The preferred concept is developed in more detail, bringing together layout, planting, hard landscaping, materials and finishes. The design is refined in response to your feedback.
Final design and implementation
Once the design is agreed, the final package is prepared. This may include detailed drawings, planting plans and material specifications. Trusted landscapers can be recommended, with support available during installation where required.
Establishment and ongoing care
A garden continues to develop long after the design is complete. Guidance can be provided on watering, seasonal maintenance and plant care to help the planting establish and mature successfully.
BACKGROUND
Art, observation and garden design
My background in fine art and visual design shapes the way I look at gardens, particularly composition, proportion, colour, texture and detail.
Drawing and painting plants and flowers has taught me to look closely at their form and seasonal character. That same observation carries through into planting design and the way I bring plants together within a garden.
OPEN THE SKETCHBOOK →PRESS
In the press
Selected articles and project features covering Botanical Spaces and its gardens.
BBC Two
The Anywhere Courtyard at RHS Chelsea 2024
The garden was featured during BBC Two's coverage of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Watch the feature
ARTICLES & PROJECT FEATURES