ETHOS

Our design ethos

WORKING WITH NATURE

At Charlotte Sanderson Garden Design, we believe gardens should sit naturally within their landscape. Our approach focuses on creating gardens that mature beautifully over time, support wildlife and feel deeply connected to their surroundings, while offering spaces that nurture wellbeing and allow people to reconnect with nature.

For us, sustainability is not a separate feature added to a project. We believe it is our responsibility and an integral part of the design process. From the beginning, it shapes decisions about planting, materials and how gardens are built and cared for over time.

Our approach is guided by a few key principles –

Planting with nature in mind:
We believe gardens should work with the natural landscape. By designing with biodiversity and soil health in mind, we create gardens that evolve as living ecosystems, supporting wildlife while strengthening the health and resilience of the landscape over time.

Designing for a changing climate: 
As the climate changes, gardens must adapt. We design landscapes that will continue to thrive in future conditions, reducing reliance on irrigation, intensive maintenance and frequent replacement planting.

Thoughtful materials, craftsmanship and construction: 
The materials and construction methods used in a garden shape its character, environmental impact and its longevity. We prioritise materials that are thoughtfully made and responsibly sourced, working with skilled craftspeople and contractors to create gardens that are designed and built to last.

Community and connection:
 Gardens have a powerful effect on wellbeing and our connection to nature. By sharing our knowledge, supporting community initiatives and collaborating with organisations that are aligned with our values, we hope to extend the positive impact of our work.


Like many practices, we are continually learning and developing our approach. We are working to formalise our sustainability principles and start measuring our progress across projects, and look forward to sharing more about what we learn along the way.