Feeling inspired by RHS Sandringham Flower Show? Discover expert advice and design ideas to elevate your Norfolk garden from ordinary to outstanding.
Norfolk is firmly on the national gardening stage and for good reason. From coastal landscapes and courtyard gardens to hidden walled retreats, the region is rich with planting inspiration, sustainability, and timeless outdoor beauty.
In this guide, we have gathered top gardening tips from Norfolk’s leading designers, including Chelsea Flower Show winners, to help you transform your own garden, whether you are working with a small urban space or a sprawling rural plot.
1. Let Nature Take the Lead
According to Laura and Joe Carey of Carey Garden Design Studio in Holt, the tide is turning from formal, high-maintenance gardens to something wilder, softer, and more serene. “There’s a generosity towards wanting the garden to be a shared, tranquil experience,” they explain.
Tip: Embrace a naturalistic aesthetic. Think relaxed planting schemes, gentle colour palettes, and materials that blend into the landscape. Let plants spill over edges and encourage wildlife with pollinator-friendly choices.
2. Design with Intention
It might be tempting to grab a cart and fill it at the garden centre, but true beauty comes from planning.
Tip from the Careys:
- “Start with a vision.”
- Set simple rules - choose just three or four colours or materials.
- Observe your garden’s natural “sweet spots” for sitting or planting.
- Be brave with layout and test your soil to understand what will thrive.
3. Take Local Inspiration
The Careys draw from Norfolk’s coastal marshes for colour and structure. Their recent project in Glandford, featuring monolithic sea timbers and informal planting is a perfect example of Norfolk’s calm, curated charm.
Tip: Let your surroundings guide your planting. Take a walk on the beach or in the countryside and note the textures, colours and shapes that catch your eye.
4. Grow with Your Garden
For Alan Gray of East Ruston Old Vicarage, gardening is a lifelong relationship. From growing 70ft eucalyptus trees from seed to transforming 32 acres into themed 'garden rooms', his passion is deeply rooted.
Tip: Think long-term. Don’t be afraid to plant something small – a tree, a shrub – and give it time to grow into its full glory. Remember: even Norfolk’s biggest garden marvels started with a seed.
5. Celebrate Seasonality
At Holkham Hall’s Walled Garden, head gardener Mark Morrell steers a blend of tradition and innovation. From exotic glasshouses to heritage melons, every season brings something new to explore.
Tip: Plan your garden with year-round interest in mind. Use bulbs for spring, perennials for summer, ornamental grasses for autumn, and evergreens for winter structure.
Whether you're planning your first raised bed or dreaming of a complete garden makeover, let Norfolk’s award-winning gardeners and designers be your guide.
With the right vision... and a few thoughtful choices, your outdoor space can become a place of beauty, peace, and pride.
For more inspirational garden tips, beautiful interiors, and stylish home ideas, explore more in the summer At Home Magazine, out now!