Diane Samways Garden Design

A true inward garden with no borrowed landscape views—unless, of course, you count the neighbour’s bathroom as one (but let’s not go there!).

By creating a sense of intrigue and depth, this design uses decorative walls to transform the space. These walls not only add visual interest but also provide a touch of privacy, making the garden feel like a cosy, secluded oasis.

My popular Dream Garden Starter Gift is making a come-back! 🙌🏼

I've been diving into feedback and data from previous years and here’s what it revealed about my design package:

💚 A real love for the elements and flexibility included in the package.
👩‍🌾 20% said the best part of the package was...me! (You’re making me blush).
💸 An appreciation of the pricing structure’s accessibility.
🌿 100% of clients said the package encouraged them to take real steps in their garden, whilst -
👍🏼 80% felt inspired to use the entire design, and the remaining 20% planned to incorporate specific elements.

I’m beyond grateful to have been a part of these journeys and can't wait to start afresh.

Want to know more? Just type *"Dreaming"* below, and I’ll pop more information straight into your DMs!

Looking for a sign to hire a garden designer? Well, here it is! 🙌🏼

It’s all in the details, and those details need time, skill, and a lot of creativity. A great designer knows how to add those special touches that turn your garden into a true adventure. Sure, some things might happen by chance, but when it comes to crafting a beautiful outdoor space, it pays to hire someone who really knows what they're doing! 💚

I want to share a real fear I have with you all.

It’s not something I talk about often, but the biggest ache I carry—something I feel physically sometimes—is this worry that I’m not being the mum I need to be for my boys. Having Ethan five years after Jacob is a constant reminder of how quickly time flies.

The truth is, I get caught up in trying to make everything look and feels “perfect". It gives me a sense of control, but I’ve come to see that this drive for perfection often becomes a barrier. It drains time and energy that could be put toward something more meaningful, something that will actually last.

I have this vision of the kind of home I should be creating for them, and it feels so clear in my mind. But yesterday, I had an eye-opening moment at a talk with on his no-dig, composting approach. It hit me that so much of our energy is finite, and if we're not mindful, it can easily slip away on things that don’t truly matter. It’s an easy lesson to agree with, but a hard one to live by.

I know deep down that this ideal I’m chasing is often the very thing that stops me from being present. And I want to let go of that, to create space for what’s truly important. I don’t have it all figured out, but I’m starting to understand that maybe the real beauty lies not in perfection, but in the mess and chaos that make this season of life so vivid and real.

💚 In an effort to get back to what’s real and use Instagram for something meaningful, I’d love to hear from you: What’s your most vivid memory of being in the garden when you were young? Please share in the comments so we can remind each other of the simple joys that we—and our children—might be missing out on. 💚

Want your dream garden next year? Get practical 📋✍🏼

🌿 Getting clear on your garden plans for 2025 is about finding a balance between your dream garden and practical steps that fit into your...

💚 Lifestyle
💚 Budget
💚 Schedule

With a clear, achievable plan, you’ll be able to make progress steadily and feel accomplished as you check off each step.

Where to start?

👉🏼 Sign up to my three -part newsletter and create your personal roadmap to help you get there. First email dropping into your Inbox on Monday. Link in my bio!

Garden Escape: The Perfect Peaceful Home Studio 🌿🙌🏼

For some, the idea of a garden studio might seem counterintuitive when it comes to designing a serene space —yet it can be a game-changer, bringing a profound boost to both productivity and well-being. 🙌🏼

For this client, a dream garden included a dedicated workspace that allowed them to work from home while fully embracing their stunning surroundings. With a garden studio tucked at a peaceful distance from the main house, they could escape the home’s daily bustle and enjoy sweeping views of Somerset’s fields. 🌳

Two key benefits of a garden studio for well-being are the mental clarity gained from being close to nature and the boost in productivity that comes from a focused, separate space. This setup brings the best of both worlds: a home studio that feels like a true retreat. 💚

Make a plan and stick to it —sounds straightforward, right? In theory, yes, but life often has other ideas.

With Christmas on the way, winter bugs going around, and the usual household demands, it’s easy for garden plans to slip down the list. But now is actually the perfect time to start planning your outdoor space. By getting clear, committed, and consistent now, you’ll set yourself up for a garden that truly shines next spring and summer. 💚

If you’re like me, having guidance that breaks things down but still leaves room for your own ideas is invaluable. 🙏🏼

👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

That’s why I’m launching a three-part newsletter series with simple, actionable steps to help you shape your ideal garden.

🌿 Week one, we’ll focus on clarity;
🌿 Week two will cover how to stay committed,
🌿 Week three will bring it all together with consistency tips.

🔗 Expect your first email on Monday by signing up today - http://eepurl.com/hjyMyn

Let's do this 👏🏼

#2025

Five years ago, my life took a transformative turn. 💫

My partner and I returned to my hometown of Frome to raise our then two-year-old son, and I felt adrift. Although I held a degree in garden design and dreamed of becoming a garden designer, that vision seemed distant. My work with an arts charity in the NHS had been one of the happiest periods of my life, yet also one of the most challenging, leaving me frequently burned out. I knew I couldn’t return to work in the same way I had before.

Then I discovered a community interest company (CIC) based in Frome, Somerset. Each year, they bring together a small group of up to 10 volunteers, equipping us with the skills to address real community challenges.

🌿 We were given the mission to launch a plant nursery, using hands-on work to address mental health, loneliness, and isolation in our community. In just ten weeks, we designed and branded The Walled Garden Nursery in Mells () Those weeks were filled with passion, hard work, and resilience, alongside a truly wonderful group of people. 🥰

Here’s a small glimpse of some of the work we created together. The last photo was taken on our final day, with each of us choosing one word to describe one another. I’ll hold on to those words and the memories we made for the rest of my life.

Five years later, thanks to , I'm now working full-time as a garden designer! Fun fact: I've come full circle and returned for a third time to set up my own studio. You can find me at the Welsh Mill Hub 3-4 days a week! ☺️

Did you know that before I became a garden designer, I worked for the NHS?

One of the most rewarding chapters of my life was spent with an arts and health charity within the NHS, where I saw firsthand the incredible impact of nature. Walking in it, drawing it and even singing about it 🌿💚

If you’re feeling weighed down by stress or emotions, designing and building your own garden could be the perfect outlet. There’s something profoundly therapeutic about working with nature—choosing plants, digging into the soil, and shaping your own outdoor haven can bring a unique calm and clarity. 🙌🏼

Here’s the science behind it:

Research shows that gardening can reduce cortisol, our primary stress hormone, leading to less anxiety and a brighter mood. The focus required to plant, dig, and design draws us into the present moment, offering a break from the daily grind.

So, if you’re searching for a reset, give garden therapy a try—it may be just what you need. 🌿💚

Dreaming about designing your garden? Start here 👇🏼

🌿 Garden journaling 🌿 is a great way to document your thoughts, feelings, and ideas as you bring your vision to life.

Sketching plants (or in this case a mossy Yorkshire stone wall), jotting down notes, or even recording what you feel while working outside helps capture the whole experience in a meaningful way. Every note and sketch becomes a time capsule, helping the process of growth from dream to reality.

Keep them together in a journal or scrapbook and when you feel ready to begin your design (don't worry, I'll walk you through this in the coming weeks) then you'll have somewhere to start ✨

If you’re ever feeling weighed down by stress or heavy emotions, designing and building your own garden might just be the perfect release. ✨🙌🏼

There’s something truly transformative about working with nature—choosing plants, digging into the soil, and crafting a personal outdoor space can bring a sense of calm and clarity that’s hard to find elsewhere. 🌿

The science bit 👇🏼

Creating something beautiful with your own hands can significantly reduce stress and improve mental well-being—and there’s science to back it up. Studies show that working in a garden can lower cortisol levels, which helps reduce anxiety and improve mood. The act of planting, digging, and designing draws our focus into the present moment, providing a therapeutic distraction from daily worries.

So if you’re looking for a bit of a reset, garden therapy might be worth a try. 🌿💚

For the love of arches – Thank you, Rome, for indulging my deep admiration and endless appreciation for the beauty of an arch. 🙌🏼🇮🇹

Hello! I’m Diane, a proud mum of two lively boys, and I’ve happily settled in my hometown of Frome, Somerset (yes, I’m a born-and-bred Fromie!). ☺️

While juggling the joys of motherhood and working at the drawing board, I'm excited to share that I'm creating a workshop focused on Healing Through Garden Design. Think of it as a creative therapeutic journey, but this time, you get a garden at the end of it. I’ll be sharing more about this in the coming month. 💚

When I’m not chasing after my little ones, you’ll find me unwinding by the sea, enjoying solo hikes (usually along the coast), or collecting rocks at the beach. There’s definitely a theme there! With a background in design that includes galleries, book publishing, and the NHS, I bring a unique perspective to my work. ✍🏼

I’m also a huge fan of Japan and, until I can visit, I’m inspired to incorporate their design principles into my creations. I admire their ability to reveal the essence of things. For me, simplicity isn’t a compromise; it’s about distilling ideas into their raw, enduring charm. It’s the holy grail I strive for every day. 🙌🏼

Thanks for stopping by! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop them below. 👇🏼

Dreaming of a peaceful garden retreat? 🌿 Spoiler: No saunas or BBQs here! It’s all about simple, calming touches to help you truly relax. I’ve got 5 must-haves for your garden wish list! 📋

Which one could you never live without? Let me know below! 👇✨

I spent a wonderful afternoon with Frances from , who have entrusted me with the exciting task of designing their website and guiding the creative direction of their brand. It's truly an honour. ✨

For me, creativity flows best through meaningful conversation. There's no better way to understand a business than by sketching, chatting, and sharing coffee. Keeping your hands busy lets the mind relax, encouraging you to slow down and step outside your usual thought patterns—an essential process for discovering your unique voice. 🌿

Here's what came up: travel, time with family, folklore, forest bathing, sunshine, Al fresco living, herb gardens and the Mediterranean. Our two-hour workshop was time well spent. I now have a clear vision to translate these ideas into a dynamic brand that truly resonates. Watch this space 💚