Sally Bower Garden Design

About

My approach and ethos

I am committed to creating thoughtful, meaningful, well-designed spaces that can stimulate the imagination and enrich well being.

My process aims to develop attractive schemes which reconnect people with nature, support wildlife and respond to the site and its setting. I’m passionate about plants and also specialise in creating verdant planting schemes for wildlife and people to enjoy.

Central to my approach is to understand and listen to my clients; using innovative, sustainable, wildlife-friendly solutions to realise their vision, within the budget and on time.

Principal Designer – Sally Bower CMLI

 

Prior to choosing to set up my practice in 2013, I spent more than a decade at an internationally renowned multi-disciplinary practice Building Design Partnership (BDP). I developed extensive experience in landscape design, significant projects include Chavasse Park, Liverpool One and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

More recently, in 2021, I received a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Bursary to study brownfield and gravel gardens. As part of this study tour, I produced a report Nature Rising from the Rubble, which explored growing plants in aggregates, scope to use of recycled waste and the potential for wildlife in different gardens and landscape. Subsequently, the report was awarded the prestigious RHS Main Bursary Prize in 2022. 

Continuing my focus on creating attractive low impact design, I also specialise in designing rain gardens and nature-rich Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). By combining these with a mosaic of planted and structural habitats, I create landscapes that enhance biodiversity, support wildlife, and deliver long-term environmental benefits.

I have a wealth of experience visioning and realising award winning landscapes as illustrated in my practice portfolio.

  • Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute
  • Friend of the Society of Garden Designers
  • Over 25 years professional experience
  • DipLD (Distinction), BSc (First)
  • Awarded a RHS Bursary in 2021
  • Awarded the main 2022 prize for my RHS Bursary Report
  • Highly commended in the Susdrain Awards 2024 for my biodiverse sustainable urban drainage garden
  • Winner for my Wildlife Rain Garden in the Design for the Environment category of Society of Garden Designer Awards 2025.