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 largely on hard landscaping, my approach is led by plants — creating lush, living gardens that are beautiful, functional and easy to maintain. I design spaces that work with nature rather than against it, so they grow stronger and more balanced with time.

 

Hard landscaping
Patios, paths and structural elements can absolutely be part of the design. I create layouts that bring hard and soft landscaping into harmony, with planting always leading the way, shaping how the garden feels and functions.

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What Makes My Garden Designs Unique?

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

2. Bespoke garden designs tailored to your needs & lifestyle — from full garden plans to individual planting beds

3. 3D previews so you can visualise before we start; and hand-drawn plans to scale.

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

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

8. Bite-sized services available — perfect for quick, affordable guidance

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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.

 

 Let’s chat! Contact me here.