Elemental Garden Design was launched by Rachel Merrick in 2003. Since our launch, we’ve designed and meticulously built a number of unique gardens across the South East.
Garden design is not just about creative, functional design – 90% of success is in the execution of that design. Building a garden requires the expertise to understand contractual and construction issues in order to work with architects, interior designers and landscape contractors and ensure that the garden is built to the highest quality.
We have worked hard to ensure that we have the technical, the creative, the management and the horticultural expertise to design and build exclusive gardens to exceptional standards.
About Rachel Merrick
I have an Honours Diploma in Garden Design from the KLC School of Design in London and a passion for plants. Always a keen drawer, art lover and avid observer of the natural world, I cut short my career in healthcare and pharmaceutical drug development to make a new professional career in garden design.
Experience
Besides learning something new from every garden I build, since launching Elemental Designs, I’ve dedicated time to working with and learning from leading horticultural and landscaping professionals.
I assisted in the build and planting of The Daily Mail gardens at Hampton Court Flower Shows for eight years (2003–2008), working with Rosie Hardy, a specialist in cottage garden perennials and owner of Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants.
I also worked with a landscape contractor to assist in building two Chelsea gold-medal-winning gardens for Christopher Bradley-Hole. This renowned designer’s style demands extremely precise and detailed construction. This was an immensely valuable experience for me on the importance of the highest standards of craftsmanship in garden builds.
In 2009 I worked at both Chelsea and the Hampton Court Flower for Jekka McVicar of Jekka’s Herbs. Like Rosie Hardy, Jekka is a horticultural expert, highly regarded within the Royal Horticultural Society, and each have a record number of sequential gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show. I feel privileged to have worked with them and built on my existing knowledge of perennials and herbs.
Being involved in such prestigious national events has allowed me to meet highly skilled craftsmen and horticulturalists from across the UK. They continue to provide me with knowledge and inspiration in the projects I work on. If I don’t know how to do something I’m able to source that experience, which is invaluable.
Design Philosophy
Gardens are exciting to design because they evolve and are in constant transition through the seasons. But, even though I’ve experience of a number of traditional and modern styles and draw my inspiration from diverse sources, I never impose a style on a garden, but listen and interpret a clients needs.
I love design that is both simple and clever, and that allows people to interact with it. My inspiration comes not from traditional garden designers, but from sculptors and architects like Andy Goldsworthy and Charles Jencks. They use natural objects and shape the natural environment to create their art. They also use the juxtaposition of forms and textures, which I love, and is so crucial in garden design.
Classic Design
Our aim is to design a garden that complements the architecture of your house and the surrounding landscape read more»
Contact Us
Contact us to arrange an initial meeting, we can show you examples of our work and discuss ideas for your garden contact us»
Contemporary Design
At Elemental Designs we understand your practical needs and design style creating a garden to suit your budget and individuality read more»