Studio

Designers Liz Frost and Darren Lincoln form a strong, creative partnership. Their experienced, intuitive, collaborative approach brings a wide range of complimentary skills to celebrate an appreciative and respectful spirit to the final design outcome.

With a committed, enthusiastic philosophy, creative and imaginative places are achieved that are both engaging and tranquil.

The gardens they create embrace traditional craftsmanship alongside modern design.

The practice is supported by a dedicated team of experienced landscapers, horticulturalists, and technicians.

Designers

Liz Frost, Dip. G.D, MCIHort

Liz started Nettles & Petals Design in 2009. An inspiring creative whose professional, engaging approach offers a cohesive partnership with the client. She has a wealth of knowledge in addition to artistic flair and a genuine passion for each project. Liz is a member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and holds a diploma in garden design with merit. Liz was part of the RHS Gold Medal winning team at BBC Gardens World Live 2015, followed by RHS Silver-Gilt Medal success at Hampton Court Palace Show 2016 along with the accolade of Best City Garden. 2020 saw success in the BALI National Landscape Awards with the South Courtyard Garden.

”What makes a garden special, is getting the detail right, thinking about vernacular styles and using the knowledge of skilled landscapers, it is the time, care, love, knowledge and skill that goes into every garden that makes it unique.”

Liz has developed a passion for innovative planting design during her professional career and continues to refine her palette to create uniquely beautiful places. She has a plethora of skills that she brings to the design process from the initial concept, all the way through to implementation. Liz believes in the power of a well-designed outdoor space to bring joy, as well as a sense of calm and serenity. Her desire is to create gardens that establish a connection with nature and the seasons.

Darren Lincoln, Dip. G.D

Darren has always had a love of nature and the outdoors, this combined with a creative passion for design led him to study at Merrist Wood College, Guildford, graduating with Distinction in Garden Design in 2015. He prides himself on his personable, customer focused approach, producing designs that truly understand and reflect the ideas behind the clients brief.

Darren was part of the RHS Gold Medal winning team at BBC Gardens World Live 2015. Following on from this success 2016 saw Darren’s debut at Hampton Court Palace Show, where he was awarded a RHS Silver-Gilt Medal for his first ever show garden. In addition 2016 also saw one of his designs winning the Stonemarket Landscaper of the Year Award. 2020 saw success in the BALI National Landscape Awards with the Principal Award for the South Courtyard Garden. Darren is a pre-registered member of the Society of Garden Designers.

“I relish the challenge of taking an often neglected space, driven by a passion for good design, a keen eye for detail along with a strong emphasis on quality and craftsmanship, realise its full potential, transforming it into a practical and inspirational place for all to use and enjoy."

Darren has experience working on a wide and varied range of projects from large scale rural estates to smaller town and coastal gardens. He is focused on delivering innovative design and excellence throughout the design process, from the initial sketch designs right through to the presentation plans, construction detailing and beyond. Utilising his specialist knowledge in design, horticulture and construction techniques. He brings a strong eye for detail and is skilled in both hand-drawn and digital graphics including 3-D modelling.

Philosophy

Our philosophy is to create an outstanding outdoor space with you in mind. The garden must work for you, your lifestyle, family and visitors not only in a stunning, visual way but a practical and immersive form.

Our conversations with you help us develop a sense of the site’s meaning to you and the people who live and work there. Its architecture, history, development, layout, aspect, proposed uses and maintenance regime all form part of our analysis and inform our proposals. We encourage our clients to participate fully in the design process to ensure the most meaningful and resonant outcome. Strong communication and clarity is initiated firstly through a concise, agreed client brief.

Naturally, we strive to be environmentally sound through our considered approach and careful scrutiny of the existing landscape and how the future design will impact. We try to use locally sourced materials wherever possible to reduce our carbon footprint.

The garden must be an incredible space to be in with sharp hardscape and softer green-scape. We pride ourselves on our knowledge and experience to create the garden that you desire. Decisions, detailing and fine tuning form the basis of a significant, bespoke design. What makes a garden special, is getting the detail right, we take our cues from the site and local vernacular style, using a refined palette of simple materials that aren't vying for attention. This philosophy, as well as our strong values and work ethic permeates all of our work, whether in town or country.

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If you are looking for inspiration and design expertise to realise the full potential of your outdoor space, however large or small, we can work closely with you to create a bespoke garden that reflects your personal style and practical needs.

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