Sheet 06 · Plant Zones

Zoning light under glass

Garden rooms create microclimates: hot ridge lines, cooler corners near solid walls, and drip zones under opening lights. We divide the plan into plant zones so ferns are not cooked beside a south-facing pane and herbs sit where you can reach them from the kitchen door.

Brighton’s marine light is bright but cool; species that thrive in inland conservatories can sulk here if night temperatures drop and salt settles on leaves near open vents.

Containers versus beds

Raised beds look generous yet lock the plan. Movable containers let you rotate plants when a summer heat spike hits the lantern. We specify saucers, irrigation habits, and floor protection so watering does not stain stone or warp timber.

For seafront flats with wind-tunnel balconies feeding into a glazed room, we favour squat pots that resist tipping when doors are open.

Climbing screens and privacy

A wire screen with climbers softens the view of a neighbour’s extension and filters western sun on long summer evenings. We keep roots clear of buried services and choose species that will not glue themselves permanently to painted frames.

Seasonal swap lists

Clients receive a simple seasonal note: what to pull back in August heat, what to bring forward for winter green, and which plants dislike Brighton’s damp November air even under glass. The list is practical rather than encyclopaedic.

Planting within a styling fee

Plant-zone guidance is included in mid and upper packages. A planting-only add-on for an existing layout typically starts near £650 when we visit, map zones, and supply a container schedule without redesigning furniture.