I’m Lara Raffaelli, a passionate garden designer dedicated to creating beautiful, plant-rich, and functional gardens that thrive effortlessly. From charming courtyards to expansive landscapes, I specialise in designing low-maintenance, nature-inspired spaces that bring joy all year round.

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How It All Began

My journey into garden design began after moving to the UK, where I discovered an incredible variety of plants, especially hardy perennials. Before long, my passion for planting outgrew the space in my own garden. I wanted to help others experience the joy of a beautifully designed, thriving garden, so I decided to turn my passion into a profession.

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I enrolled in the Diploma in Garden Design at the British Academy of Garden Design, where I graduated with distinction. With a background blending design, science, and a deep love for plants, I create gardens that are not only visually stunning but also practical, ecologically sustainable, and easy to maintain.

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Having designed gardens in the UK, Italy, and the USA, I understand how different landscapes, climates, and personal visions influence a garden. I trial as many plants as possible myself, so I know I’m recommending species that will genuinely thrive in your space.

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💚 Why Choose Me?

Unlike many garden designers who focus on hard landscaping, my approach is centred on plants—creating lush, vibrant gardens that are beautiful, functional, and easy to maintain. I design gardens that work with nature, not against it, ensuring your space thrives with minimal effort.

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🌱 Want hard landscaping? Of course! If you’re looking for a garden with patios, pathways, or structured elements, I can design a space that balances hard and soft landscaping beautifully. But my signature approach is about letting plants lead the way.

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🌱 What Makes My Garden Designs Unique?

1️⃣ Plant-Focused Design – My designs prioritise lush, perennial-rich gardens over expensive, high-maintenance hardscaping.

2️⃣ Low-Maintenance Beauty – Thoughtfully selected plants that flourish naturally, meaning less work for you.

3️⃣ Tailored to Your Lifestyle – Whether you want a peaceful retreat, a wildlife-friendly haven, or a vibrant social space, I design gardens that fit seamlessly into your life.

4️⃣ Designed for Year-Round Interest – With a focus on seasonal colour, texture, and structure, your garden will stay beautiful in every season.

5️⃣ Sustainable & Eco-Friendly – I use nature-led, permaculture-inspired principles to select the right plants for your space, creating a garden that flourishes naturally with minimal intervention.

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Let’s bring your vision to life! 🌿

Whether you’re looking to breathe life into a tired space or create something entirely new, I’d love to help you design a garden that feels alive, evolves beautifully, and works in harmony with nature.

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📩 Let’s chat! Contact me here.