Ionia at Lus Garden Design is passionate about the potential for gardens to enhance the lives of those that experience them, and to create a haven for animal and plant biodiversity.
Using a naturalistic planting design approach, Ionia designs gardens that are inspired by the energy and abundance of nature and shaped by the client's taste and vision.
Our process is site and client led, resulting in sustainable, custom-designed garden spaces that invite clients to immerse themselves in nature.
Phase 1
Consultation
The design process begins with a site visit and consultation. The aim of this phase is to gather as much information as possible about your site and your aspirations for your garden. Ionia will consolidate these details into a written brief, outlining your vision for the space, the next steps of the design process, and the fee structure.
Phase 2
Concept Design
The next phase of the process is focused on creating a design plan, based on the consultation brief. The design plan is a 2D drawing that captures the layout of the garden, its levels, utilities and special features.
Phase 3
Planting Plan
Once the design plan is finalised, it's time to dive into the detail. This phase is when the planting combinations are created and presented as collage boards, giving clients a taste of how the garden will evolve through the seasons. Phase 3 includes a plant schedule listing exact names, sizes and quantities used for costing, ordering and setting out plants.
Phase 4
On-Site Planting
Lus Garden Design offers an on-site planting service, where Ionia liaises with nurseries, organises the delivery of plants and materials and oversees the practical implementation of the Planting Plan.
NB We recommend that clients work with local, trusted contractors in order to lay down any initial hard landscaping such as paths, patio areas and garden structures, before Phase 4 commences.
Meet the designer
Ionia runs Lus Garden Design from her flower farm in Craughwell, Co. Galway.
She draws inspiration for her garden designs from many sources: the breath-taking natural landscape of the Rahasane Turlough where she was raised, the dynamic layered landscapes of Piet Oudolf and Noel Kingsbury, Nigel Dunnet's naturalistic planting methods, and Dan Pearson's perennial planting combinations.
To experience her work in person you can visit the Sensory Garden at Mad Yolk Farm, H91 YDT2, which is open to the public 365 days a year.