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5 THINGS THE APPRENTICES DID WRONG – URBAN GARDENING

5 THINGS THE APPRENTICES DID WRONG – URBAN GARDENING

by Carole Jordorson | Nov 19, 2018 | City Gardens, Gardening Tips, Urban Gardening

This blog is a radical departure from the norm, however so many people in the last week have mentioned The Apprentice – episode 7: Urban Gardening, I felt compelled to comment.

Pull up a chair, grab a cuppa – let’s talk all things garden and garden design.

I’m Carole – a Scottish garden designer, plant enthusiast, and firm believer that you can never know too much about gardens & plants.

This blog is where I share ideas, inspiration, and the odd tangential thought about design - mostly, though, it’s about plants, gardens, and making outdoor spaces a joy to live in – with a dash of humour and plenty of practical tips along the way.

WELCOME

Carole Jordorson - Garden designer in Bromley

As part of my own personal journey as a Garden Designer, I plan to visit as many gardens as possible (in the capital letter – destination sense, not any old garden) to gain more knowledge and experience. There is absolutely nothing that compares to seeing first hand, plants in their appropriate setting and planted in combination. I think it goes without saying that gardening is most definitely a profession where you are ALWAYS learning.

My intention was always to take pictures, as a reference, and the blog just sprang out of that, I’m gregarious and a sharer, so it feels like the most natural thing for me to do. Plus many of these gardens survive on their entrance fees and donations, so if I can help inspire others to visit then no bad thing!

I am interested in design in general especially mid-century modern buildings and interiors so I may share other things that inspire me but mostly the blog will be about lovely gardens and plants. I’m planning to post one a month in season (April – Sept) and less frequently out of season (Oct-March) but don’t hold me to that, as I am a wee busy bee.

Recent Posts

  • Creating Beautiful Containers and Pots for Every Season
  • 5 Ways to Improve Your Garden’s Microclimate
  • Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Designing Their Garden
  • Design Solutions – Seeing the Potential in Sloping Gardens
  • Incorporating Art and Sculpture in Garden Design

About Me

Hi, I’m Carole Jordorson BSc, Dip. I love a challenge and feel that the best design ideas come from solving a problem or making the most of what you’ve got. I do believe that the garden is another room in your home and I very much live by that mantra in my own 1960s house, with its picture windows straight onto the garden which needs to make me happy all year round!

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We’re based in Sundridge Park, Bromley and cover all postcodes within a 25-mile radius, including South East London, Kent and Sussex.

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Someone told me today that at 1pm it is the Autumn Someone told me today that at 1pm it is the Autumn 2026 equinox!⁠
On the autumnal equinox, the sun sits directly above the Earth's equator, marking the official start of astronomical autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere....and althoygh we are having a lovely Indian summer i am finding my thoyghts drifting to winter and 2027 plans. ⁠
Tell me what you are planning, comment below?⁠
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#BloomWithDesignHeights #BeckenhamGardenDesigner #CreatingDreamGardens #ElevatingGardensToNewHeights #GardeningLife #GardenBlog #GardenBlogger #DesignHeightsGardens #GardenDesignBlog #DesignHeights #GardenOfTheGods #EnjoyYourGarden #LoveOfGardening #GardenStyles #GardenerWithPassion #GardenLife #GardenLove #GardenLover #GardenDesigner #GardenDesigners #SundridgePark #Beckenham #Pettswood #Chislehurst #Hayes⁠
Adding even a small water source and watch your ga Adding even a small water source and watch your garden become a genuine wildlife haven ✨⁠
These images are off a pond we created back in April for a client and it’s thriving with live already!!⁠
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🐝 Bees + pollinators need shallow puddles to stay hydrated⁠
🦔 Hedgehogs depend on it, especially in dry spells⁠
🐸 Frogs + other creatures need it to breed⁠
🐦 Birds need it to drink AND bathe⁠
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You don't need a huge pond to make a difference:⁠
→ A shallow dish with pebbles = safe landing spot for insects⁠
→ A bird bath, topped up + clean = constant visitors⁠
→ A small buried container = mini pond magic⁠
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In our over manicured world, gardens have become vital refuges for struggling wildlife 🌍 Water is one of the simplest, most impactful additions you can make.⁠
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💧 Have you added water to your garden? Show us your visitors below 👇⁠
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#WildlifeGardening #GardenDesign #DesignHeights #PondLife #GardenWildlife #SustainableGardening #UKGardens #WildlifeFriendlyGarden #GardenDesigner #NatureInTheGarden⁠
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🍃 A little inspiration for your Friday...⁠ "Right 🍃 A little inspiration for your Friday...⁠
"Right plant, right place." — Beth Chatto⁠
Chatto's famous gravel garden in Essex is proof of what this simple idea can do: work with your soil, light and conditions instead of fighting them, and your planting will thrive with far less effort.⁠
It's a principle I come back to on every single project — the easiest gardens to love are the ones that were never a struggle to grow in the first place.⁠
#BethChatto #GardenInspiration #GardenDesign⁠
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#BloomWithDesignHeights #BeckenhamGardenDesigner #CreatingDreamGardens #ElevatingGardensToNewHeights #GardeningLife #GardenBlog #GardenBlogger #DesignHeightsGardens #GardenDesignBlog #DesignHeights #GardenOfTheGods #EnjoyYourGarden #LoveOfGardening #GardenStyles #GardenerWithPassion #GardenLife #GardenLove #GardenLover #GardenDesigner #GardenDesigners #SundridgePark #Beckenham #Pettswood #Chislehurst #Hayes⁠
Happy Sunday! ⁠ ⁠If you are thinking of getting yo Happy Sunday! ⁠
⁠If you are thinking of getting your garden sorted for next Spring/Summer then now is the ideal time to get the wheels turning. I know it feels like THIS summer isn’t over yet (cross fingers emoji) however the garden shown here took 10 months from engagement until final planting, and that’s an average timeline!⁠
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Here are some factors to consider: ⠀ ⁠
🌿 The brief and design can be completed this Autumn/Winter. Normally this stage takes 4-12 weeks. ⁠
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🌿 You are looking at between 3-12 months in total from initial engagement to completion, depending on the size of your garden and availability of contractors. ⠀ ⁠
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🌿 Spring and Autumn are the best times for planting.⁠
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Yes it took 10 months however good things take time and the clients where delighted: ⁠
‘’We absolutely love our new garden. It has been so good getting advice about what to plant as our garden is North facing. My husband and I were a bit clueless, and in the past have wasted money planting plants that were just not suitable.⁠
It has been such fun watching the flowers and plants emerge each season and it has brought us great joy. Carole listened to what we wanted and designed the small garden appropriately. I would certainly recommend Carole and the expert advice is invaluable. Thank you’’⁠
Kathy Doolan⁠
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#BloomWithDesignHeights #BeckenhamGardenDesigner #CreatingDreamGardens #ElevatingGardensToNewHeights #GardeningLife #GardenBlog #GardenBlogger #DesignHeightsGardens #GardenDesignBlog #DesignHeights #GardenOfTheGods #EnjoyYourGarden #LoveOfGardening #GardenStyles #GardenerWithPassion #GardenLife #GardenLove #GardenLover #GardenDesigner #GardenDesigners #SundridgePark #Beckenham #Pettswood #Chislehurst #Hayes⁠
🌳 Why Autumn Is Actually The Best Time To Plant⁠ I 🌳 Why Autumn Is Actually The Best Time To Plant⁠
It sounds counterintuitive, but September through November is prime planting season for trees, shrubs and perennials in the UK.⁠
The soil's still warm from summer, there's usually more rain about, and plants get months to settle their roots in before they're asked to cope with next summer's heat.⁠
So if you've been waiting for 'the right time' to make a change to your garden — this is genuinely it.⁠
👉 DM me to talk through what autumn planting could do for your garden.⁠
#AutumnPlanting #GardenDesign #GardeningTips⁠
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#BloomWithDesignHeights #BeckenhamGardenDesigner #CreatingDreamGardens #ElevatingGardensToNewHeights #GardeningLife #GardenBlog #GardenBlogger #DesignHeightsGardens #GardenDesignBlog #DesignHeights #GardenOfTheGods #EnjoyYourGarden #LoveOfGardening #GardenStyles #GardenerWithPassion #GardenLife #GardenLove #GardenLover #GardenDesigner #GardenDesigners #SundridgePark #Beckenham #Pettswood #Chislehurst #Hayes⁠
A professionally designed outdoor space can signif A professionally designed outdoor space can significantly increase the value of your property and make it far more attractive to buyers. ⁠
First impressions matter, and a beautiful, well-planned garden can set your home apart from the rest.⁠
Ready to maximise your property’s potential? ⁠
Let’s design a garden that adds value and appeal. ⁠
Why not head over to the website and read our blog - Top 6 reasons why having a beautiful garden is key when selling your home https://designheights.co.uk/beautiful-garden-key-when-selling-your-home/⁠
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#PropertyValue #GardenDesign⁠
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#BloomWithDesignHeights #BeckenhamGardenDesigner #CreatingDreamGardens #ElevatingGardensToNewHeights #GardeningLife #GardenBlog #GardenBlogger #DesignHeightsGardens #GardenDesignBlog #DesignHeights #GardenOfTheGods #EnjoyYourGarden #LoveOfGardening #GardenStyles #GardenerWithPassion #GardenLife #GardenLove #GardenLover #GardenDesigner #GardenDesigners #SundridgePark #Beckenham #Pettswood #Chislehurst #Hayes⁠
Created with CapCut: https://www.capcut.com/s/Cb_1 Created with CapCut: https://www.capcut.com/s/Cb_1G2i2wDCySXQP/ #CapCut
🍂 Hello, Autumn!⁠ Weirdly I am feeling a bit sad a 🍂 Hello, Autumn!⁠
Weirdly I am feeling a bit sad about the shift in seasons, even though I spend a fair amount th summer moaning about the endless heatwaves 😉⁠
Meteorological autumn begins on today — and while it might not feel like it yet, the garden's already starting to shift gear.⁠
The light's turning golden, the evenings are drawing in, and it's actually one of the best times of year to be thinking about your outdoor space.⁠
👉 What's on your garden wish-list for next year? Autumn is the perfect time to start planning it.⁠
#HelloAutumn #GardenDesign #AutumnGarden⁠
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#BloomWithDesignHeights #BeckenhamGardenDesigner #CreatingDreamGardens #ElevatingGardensToNewHeights #GardeningLife #GardenBlog #GardenBlogger #DesignHeightsGardens #GardenDesignBlog #DesignHeights #GardenOfTheGods #EnjoyYourGarden #LoveOfGardening #GardenStyles #GardenerWithPassion #GardenLife #GardenLove #GardenLover #GardenDesigner #GardenDesigners #SundridgePark #Beckenham #Pettswood #Chislehurst #Hayes⁠
Bank Holiday Garden Vibes⁠ May feels like we are t Bank Holiday Garden Vibes⁠
May feels like we are turning the corner into Summer (I do hope so!), and I like to give my garden a ‘glow-up’ at this time of year. Here are some ideas to help you on your way to a relaxing bank holiday:⁠
Bright Colors: Use vibrant flowers and colorful accessories to add pops of color throughout your garden. Now is the time to buy our favourite colour pop annuals.⁠
Seating Area: Add colourful cushions to your seating areas and perhaps a hammock where you can relax and unwind. ⁠
Outdoor Lighting: Include solar string lights, lanterns, or tiki torches to add a warm glow to your garden, especially in the evenings. Go with controllable solar where you can.⁠
Outdoor Dining: Enjoying meals al fresco can make you feel like you're on vacation every day.⁠
With a little creativity and effort, you can transform your garden into a blissful getaway right at home.⁠
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#BankHolidayGardenVibes #GardenGlowUp⁠
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#BloomWithDesignHeights #BeckenhamGardenDesigner #CreatingDreamGardens #ElevatingGardensToNewHeights #GardeningLife #GardenBlog #GardenBlogger #DesignHeightsGardens #GardenDesignBlog #DesignHeights #GardenOfTheGods #EnjoyYourGarden #LoveOfGardening #GardenStyles #GardenerWithPassion #GardenLife #GardenLove #GardenLover #GardenDesigner #GardenDesigners #SundridgePark #Beckenham #Pettswood #Chislehurst #Hayes⁠
Carole transformed our garden from a literal build Carole transformed our garden from a literal building site following our extension build. She took time to understand our needs and created space for each member of the family to enjoy. ⁠
JANE HOLLIS⁠
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View the accompanying case study here: https://designheights.co.uk/project/large-family-garden-in-oxted-surrey/⁠
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#HappyClients #5StarReview⁠
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#BloomWithDesignHeights #BeckenhamGardenDesigner #CreatingDreamGardens #ElevatingGardensToNewHeights #GardeningLife #GardenBlog #GardenBlogger #DesignHeightsGardens #GardenDesignBlog #DesignHeights #GardenOfTheGods #EnjoyYourGarden #LoveOfGardening #GardenStyles #GardenerWithPassion #GardenLife #GardenLove #GardenLover #GardenDesigner #GardenDesigners #SundridgePark #Beckenham #Pettswood #Chislehurst #Hayes⁠
April is a wonderful time for garden projects, as April is a wonderful time for garden projects, as the weather starts to warm up and plants begin to awaken. Why not Create Wildlife Habitat: Design a garden that provides habitat and food sources for wildlife like birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Incorporate native plants, bird feeders, and nesting boxes to support biodiversity in your garden.⁠
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Remember to consider your local climate, soil conditions, and available sunlight when planning and implementing your garden projects. And most importantly, enjoy the process of creating a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space!⁠
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#AprilGardenDesignProjects ⁠
#GardenDesigner #GardenDesigners #SundridgePark #Beckenham #Pettswood #Chislehurst #Hayes⁠
FAQ – one of our frequently asked questions is ‘Ho FAQ – one of our frequently asked questions is ‘How do you incorporate our preferences and needs into the design?’ ⁠
I do this through a structured process that involves several key steps:⁠
Initial Consultation discussion to understand your aims, preferences, and requirements such as style, functional elements, maintenance needs, budget constraints etc.⁠
Briefing Meeting where we go through a detailed questionnaire to leave no stone unturned. This is then written up and emailed for review so there is lots of opportunity for input.⁠
Concept Development: presented to the client to illustrate how the garden will look and function, feedback always welcomed to enable refinement. ⁠
Collaboration and Feedback to ensure that the final design reflects the client's vision and meets their needs and preferences.⁠
Detailed Design Development including detailed drawings, plant mood-boards & plans, materials specifications with construction details.⁠
Over- Sight to ensure that the design is executed according to plan as closely as possible. ⁠
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By following these steps and maintaining open communication with the client throughout the process, I can successfully incorporate the client's preferences and needs into the design, resulting in a garden that is both beautiful and functional.⁠
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If you’re considering hiring a Garden Designer get in touch for a free consultation⁠
https://designheights.co.uk/contact/⁠
IG – link in Bio⁠
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#BeckenhamGardenDesigner #EnjoyYourGarden#GardenStyles #GardenerWithPassion #GardenLife #GardenDesigner #GardenDesigners #SundridgePark #Beckenham #Pettswood #Chislehurst #Hayes⁠
The brief for this garden design project in Keston The brief for this garden design project in Keston was to create an adult relaxation area at the back of the long, narrow garden for a family of NHS workers. As you can see from this video, the garden was relatively small, so it was challenging, but everyone loved the final result; ⁠
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''Great design service from Carole, she listened carefully to our brief, working within our budget, and adjusted her ideas for us as we went along. We now have a lovely family garden with a super grownup escape space. The planting scheme and space makes me feel like I am sat within a display garden at Chelsea Flower Show!''⁠
Catherine Rose⁠
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#BloomWithDesignHeights #BeckenhamGardenDesigner #CreatingDreamGardens #ElevatingGardensToNewHeights #GardeningLife #GardenBlog #GardenBlogger #DesignHeightsGardens #GardenDesignBlog #DesignHeights #GardenOfTheGods #EnjoyYourGarden #LoveOfGardening #GardenStyles #GardenerWithPassion #GardenLife #GardenLove #GardenLover #GardenDesigner #GardenDesigners #SundridgePark #Beckenham #Pettswood #Chislehurst #Hayes⁠
What is a planting scheme?⁠ A planting scheme is a What is a planting scheme?⁠
A planting scheme is a detailed plan of where individual plants should live in your garden, including plant varieties and species, quantities and spacing. ⁠
Putting together a planting scheme for your garden allows you to identify what you want from your garden and then reflect that in the planting style. Whilst taking into consideration the conditions and neighbouring plants.⁠
I use @shootgardening to create mood boards of plant images by area so my clients get a clear idea of what the final result will be.⁠
I absolutely love putting together planting schemes for clients. DM me to chat about your needs.⁠
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#BloomWithDesignHeights #SundridgeParkGardenDesigner #GardeningLife #GardenBlog #DesignHeights #GardenLife  #plantingdesign #planting #bromleygardendesign #bromley
Pollinators⁠ I follow someone, who suggested we sh Pollinators⁠
I follow someone, who suggested we should leave the flowers on dandelions as the pollinators need the nectar from them at this time of year…this depressed me a bit, although it may well be true!  Here’s a list of flowers you can plant whilst you get on with digging up the dandelion! Guaranteed to bring more joy to your garden than dandelions too!⁠
Single petal hellebores, in general single petal varieties of flowers are better for pollinators, mahonia, ivy, bluebells, primroses, muscari, willow, winter flowering heather’s & honeysuckle, like Lonicera Fragrantissima. Great name!⁠
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#BloomWithDesignHeights #BromleyGardenDesigner #CreatingDreamGardens #ElevatingGardensToNewHeights #GardeningLife #GardenBlog #GardenBlogger #DesignHeightsGardens #GardenDesignBlog #DesignHeights #GardenOfTheGods #EnjoyYourGarden #LoveOfGardening #GardenStyles #GardenerWithPassion #GardenLife #GardenLove #GardenLover #GardenDesigner #GardenDesigners #SundridgePark #Beckenham #Pettswood #Chislehurst #Hayes⁠
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