Heidi Walther Garden Design

Gardens have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. They were the playgrounds of my childhood, later they became retreats from the daily demands of life, and places to enjoy time with friends, family and pets. My path to becoming a garden designer, though, started partly by chance.

We lived in London and had just bought a property in Italy that I was burning to turn into the most spectacular Italian garden the world had seen. My husband promptly challenged me to prove I had what it took to design such a project. Never one to shy away from a challenge, I entered a UK-wide garden design competition and, to my great surprise, came runner up!

This success came to me at a stage in my life when I was looking for a career change, away from marketing towards something new and exciting. Thus encouraged, I decided to pursue this new path and began my professional training as a garden designer at the British Academy of Garden Design. My passion for landscape design was fostered further by studying with renowned designers John Brookes, Noel Kingsbury and Piet Oudolf. 

Now based in Seattle, I am excited to combine English sensibility with the diverse and unique plant world of the Pacific Northwest. My vision: to create sustainable and beautiful gardens for my clients, you, to thrive in.

I am a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers APLD, and of the Northwest Horticultural Society NHS.

Natural Garden in Seattle 

This urban garden in the Queen Anne neighbourhood of Seattle is a riot of colour throughout the seasons. We created a sustainable, insect-friendly planting design with perennials for sun and shade, using native and other low maintenance plants. The garden has an area dedicated to a wildflower meadow. Edibles such as wild strawberries and blueberries are also grown. We installed a drip-irrigation system controlled by Alexa throughout the space.

Urban Garden in London

Transformation of an urban garden in London that was overgrown and in need of repair. We visually widened the long, narrow space by creating central beds and asymmetrical paths. A retaining wall was renovated to give a contemporary feel, and trees were planted to add height and shade. The result is a relaxing oasis that draws people in, with suitable planting, defined functional areas, and plenty of room for play.

Urban Wildflower Meadow 

A mini wildflower meadow as part of an urban Seattle garden. It’s my test meadow, designed to be insect-friendly, attractive to bees and birds, natural and free of any chemicals. The mix includes native and naturalised plants. I created it to study the process of preparing, sowing and maintaining meadow planting. And I have enjoyed the buzz, the smell and the color all summer long.

Queen Anne Meadow