Our designs aim to create a natural environment, which is beneficial to friendly insects and wildlife.

Where applicable our designs include :

Creating havens for wildlife in the garden

In conjunction with the local Wildlife Trust, we first assess the species of birds, reptiles and mammals in the area and consider their feeding and environmental requirements.

Insects are also taken into consideration e.g. are there local beekeepers? Does the client wish to encourage butterflies?

Plants are selected to provide food: berried shrubs and seed bearing wildflowers for birds, nectar rich plants for bees and butterflies.

The garden is then surveyed for possible wild/informal areas which can be left uncultivated or where we can introduce a pond with suitable entry points for frogs.

Educational and Child-Friendly Gardens

There had been a growing interest in recent years in the role of environmental education and the importance of encouraging young people to be aware of their role in sustaining their local environment. Linked with this has been the need to encourage children to make the most of outdoor spaces for play and learning.

There are now a variety of sources for funding school gardens.

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Raised beds and balancing beams from willow den

When designing gardens for schools sean mills+associates take account of the need for:

• Beds for growing annuals and vegetables
• Planting that is non toxic and thorn free
• Hard landscape that is fun and child friendly
• Arbours and dens and jungle areas
• Low maintenance
• Outdoor classrooms

We will advise on reed beds and compost heaps where applicable as well as maintenance schedules using organic growing methods.

We can also advise on meadow planting for a wild splash of colour.