RHS THE GARDEN, AUGUST 2025

Featured in The Garden, the RHS’s monthly magazine, Hestia Garden at The Plough in Shiplake is a project that illustrates our approach to creating planting-led gardens that feel relaxed, natural and completely connected to their setting.

A garden made for dining

We transformed the pub’s former car park into an outdoor garden for dining and entertaining, creating a series of semi-private spaces within a larger landscape. Multi-stemmed trees, grasses, ferns and woodland perennials soften the boundaries, while a more vibrant palette around the firepit creates a sense of warmth and atmosphere.

Letting the landscape lead

The planting was designed to work particularly hard: it needed to feel abundant and established, while also being robust enough for a busy pub garden. I used plants suited to different conditions across the site, allowing the character of the planting to change from shade-loving woodland species to more sun-loving, naturalistic planting.

Planting that shapes the space

A recurring theme throughout the garden is the relationship between planting, furniture and the wider landscape. Rather than creating formal divisions, planting provides structure and intimacy while allowing views out towards the surrounding fields to remain open.

Designed to be enjoyed

The result is a garden that feels special without being fussy or formal – a space designed to be enjoyed rather than simply looked at. As Jill Sikkens, the owner of The Plough, put it: “The movement of the plants, the view of the fields, the stylish design of the furniture… it all comes together to create the perfect atmosphere to spend a lovely afternoon.”

You can see the full project here