The House Diaries

#33: The Big Garden Edition — featuring expert garden tips and an interview with landscape architect & designer Natalie (a.k.a. my best friend and co-founder of Rodi & Cécile Studio)

Is “garden anxiety” a recognised condition? Perhaps not officially – but I’d argue it should be. If you’ve ever stepped outside, stared at your outdoor space, and felt a wave of overwhelm, confusion, or just plain meh, then you know exactly what I mean. I’ve lived with that feeling on and off for years – and not just in this house. Honestly? In every home I’ve lived in that had a garden, the garden anxiety has been real.

When we first moved into our current house, we inherited a generous garden. It had good bones and plenty of potential – but it was wildly overgrown, a little chaotic, and completely lacking in soul. It should have felt special. A luxury, even. But in reality? It just felt like a space I wasn’t quite sure how to use – or worse, how to love.

Naturally, I did what many of us do: I went shopping. I told myself more plants would be the answer. So I became a loyal weekend visitor at every local garden centre. A terracotta pot here, a trailing bloom there. A lavender that looked cheerful. A geranium that reminded me of holidays in France. Over time, the garden filled with bits and bobs – a sort of botanical patchwork that somehow looked more haphazard than harmonious.

To be fair, it did feel more alive. But cohesive? Not even close. Every morning I’d step out, coffee in hand, hoping for that moment of joy… only to glance around and feel vaguely disappointed. Not enough to panic, but enough to quietly sigh and head back indoors.

And then, one day, I’d had enough. I was done with the faffing. It was time to stop dotting and start designing. And luckily, I knew exactly who to call.

The Best Friend With the Blueprint

Enter Natalie – my best friend, co-founder of our design studio Rodi & Cécile Studio, and an absolute force when it comes to outdoor (and interior) spaces. Natalie is both an interior designer and a landscape architect, and she brings this rare dual perspective to everything we do in the studio.

We drew up a complete garden plan together – but more importantly, she shared some of her wisdom and so today, I’m sharing it with you. Whether you’ve got a sprawling lawn or a modest courtyard, these principles can help turn any outdoor space into something you truly love.