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At this year's Pro Landscaper awards, Stonehill Garden clinched the £100,000-£250,000 category and won the Supreme winner title. This project demonstrates our ongoing commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. By applying both new and proven techniques, we created a landscape that captivates while respecting the environment. Here, we delve into how we collaborated with both the designer and the client to bring imaginative ideas to life. The Vision Behind Stonehill Garden The goal for Stonehill Garden involved creating a space that harmonises with its surroundings while showcasing innovative landscaping. The client desired a garden reflecting the warmth and charm of her homeland, one that connected with her roots like the Mediterranean gardens she cherishes, blending classic looks with practicality. Key Features Initially, the original two-level garden remained underutilised. The client sought to maximise these areas with special zones for privacy and gatherings. The plan incorporated an outdoor kitchen and dining space for gatherings all year round. An outdoor fireplace was also necessary for enjoyment in all seasons. The back garden aimed to feel cosy, encouraging socialising and relaxing. She requested low-maintenance, yet vibrant Mediterranean-style plants and materials. For the front garden, the objective involved creating a more welcoming entrance and boosting kerb appeal, transforming a functional space into an inviting area that complements the home's look. Above all else, the design needed to capture the essence of home—a place for memories, relaxation, and connections with family and friends. Overcoming Challenges We encountered several challenges during planning and construction. First, limited side access complicated the delivery of large items. We temporarily removed downpipes and carefully adjusted our strategy to bring in important materials like boulders and pavers without causing damage. Building a block wall at the rear boundary presented challenges due to concerns from the neighbouring property. After discussions, we agreed the wall would be covered by a new fence on their side, maintaining good relations and adhering to the design vision. Creating the hand-poured polished concrete kitchen worktop was challenging, especially with its custom curved design. Extensive off-site testing ensured the mix, polish, and formwork met perfection before the final on-site pour. The Finished Project Ultimately, the finished back garden emerged as a Mediterranean-inspired space, cosy and charming, reflecting the owner's personality. Stone wall features crafted from Silverland cropped Purbeck stone cladding add character. A Corten steel water bowl offers calming sounds and attracts wildlife. Underfoot, a mix of Silverland stone gravel, terrazzo-style pavers, Vande Moortal clay pavers, and boulders establish a structured feel. A highlight includes the custom outdoor kitchen and pergola. Special finishing gives walls an aged look, enabling them to blend into the landscape. The kitchen features a hand-poured polished concrete worktop, and the pergola's laser-cut roof was personally chosen by the client. The planting centres around a Strawberry Tree for its sculptural form and seasonal interest. Thoughtful lighting keeps the garden welcoming after dark. At the front, the Mediterranean theme with a modern twist continues. Dijon seasoned limestone paving, alongside boulders, a restored brick pier, and new railings, enhances the entrance. A custom bin storage area with shelving adds function and style. We emphasised environmental care through material selection, focusing on natural stone, self-binding gravel, and low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants. The project embodies rhythm, rest, and outdoor living—a modern nod to Mediterranean gardens—and delivers a "wow" factor day and night. Celebrating Success The award for Stonehill Garden at the Pro Landscaper awards showcases what’s possible when passion, teamwork, and environmental responsibility converge. We proudly elevate it as a future project benchmark. Looking Ahead This award propels us to push the boundaries of landscaping. As we progress, Stonehill Garden remains a symbol of our commitment to creating enduring, beautiful spaces that contribute positively to the environment. Get in touch for an informal chat about your dream garden :)

Autumn and winter often bring with it early nights and chilly weather, but the right garden lighting can transform this season into one of beauty and warmth. At Formosa Landscapes, we believe winter lighting is more than practical—it’s about creating an atmosphere that invites you to enjoy your garden year-round.   Highlight Winter Plants and Textures While many plants go dormant, evergreens and structural elements still hold their shape and texture. Subtle uplighting of trees and hardy shrubs can bring their features to life, adding dimension and charm to your garden. Illuminating branches or hedges not only highlights their textures but also creates dramatic shadows and silhouettes that look stunning in winter’s crisp light. Practicality Meets Beauty Lighting paths and entrances is essential for safety in icy conditions, but there’s no reason it can’t be beautiful too. Soft LED path lights or low wall lighting can create a welcoming glow that doubles as a guide. Consider subtle string lights for arched trellises or pergolas, giving an elegant touch that doesn’t overpower the natural beauty. Embrace Warm Tones In the colder months, warm-toned lights add an inviting atmosphere, making your garden feel cozy even in the frost. Soft yellow or amber lighting, whether through spotlights or downlights, enhances the organic beauty of your outdoor space and ensures it doesn’t feel stark or unwelcoming. Create Winter Focal Points Direct lighting on a carefully chosen winter bloom or a sculpture can serve as a stunning focal point. These spots draw the eye, making the garden feel alive even when most plants are resting. For gardens with water features, lighting up a pond or stream adds sparkle and dimension, catching winter’s low sun or evening lights. At Formosa Landscapes, we design custom lighting plans to suit your garden in every season. Winter can be beautiful—reach out to learn how we can make your garden glow all year long.

We're delighted and honoured to win a prestigious British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) award at our very first attempt. Our submission, Hampton Garden, was selected for the Domestic Garden Construction Award 2024 - between £30k - £60k. We were commissioned to work on Hampton after our client had a recent house extension. They wanted an update to their garden to match the aesthetics of the house and their idea was to create multiple usable areas where they would be able to entertain their substantial family. After delivering an extensive design proposal, including walk-through video visuals to help imagine the space, we got to work :) The existing garden was an unused lawn, with two mature trees, which would need to be incorporated into the design. However, the garden lacked any focal point, features, or designated seating area. Everything was completely cleared, except for the trees, garage and the paving that the previous builders had laid. We utilised the existing trees to harmonize the Asian and Mediterranean fusion we were creating, and added a path centered to the house extension, to emphasise the sitting area. The view from the pergola area back to the house, showcases the symmetry of the building and the garden design which really comes into its own at night. We included a thoughtfully designed lighting plan, highlighting the feature trees, water feature and paths, creating a rather dramatic backdrop once the sun sets. Our client, Dom, had this to say... "The garden continues to evolve and as it becomes more mature, we can see more of the design thinking that went into it. We have several places/zones built into the design and each has its own view and provides a different perspective of the garden. The lighting adds something special, particularly through winter when we could still view the olive tree lit up brightly from inside our house. Overall, I have been blown away with the resultant garden we are really looking forward to years of enjoyment.” The annual National Landscape Awards are the largest in Europe, open to members of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI). A feature of the landscape industry's calendar, no other Awards scheme for designers and contractors and suppliers demands the level of professional excellence expected by the National Landscape Awards Judging Panel of acclaimed industry experts. Head Judge, John Melmoe said of the awards..." Each of this year's National Landscape Award winners exemplifies outstanding quality and craftsmanship. The attention to detail in these schemes is truly remarkable, with every element thoughtfully executed to create cohesive and inspiring outdoor spaces.   To win any Award at this level, with such a high standard of vetting in place, is a true testament for any business or individual that receives one. The level of innovation and the skill demonstrated is evidence of the exceptional talent in our industry. These projects set a benchmark for excellence.” We're immensely proud of this garden, We feel incredibly fortunate to do what we do. The wonderful feedback from our clients having lived in the spaces we create, makes all the hard work worthwhile. To be recognised by BALI is just the icing on the cake. We can't wait to attend the awards ceremony in London on 6th December. We will, of course, update you with photos of the evening :) If you fancy an informal chat about your dream garden, please get in touch