Julian is a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI) with 20 years of experience designing award-winning urban gardens. He specializes in maximizing small outdoor spaces, sustainable drainage systems, and selecting climate-resilient planting. Julian's work merges structural hardscaping with soft horticultural design.
Julian Thorne is a veteran Landscape Architect whose work transforms difficult outdoor areas into thriving extensions of the home. After studying Landscape Architecture at the University of Sheffield, he worked with leading firms on public realm projects before focusing on high-end residential gardens. Julian possesses deep technical knowledge of 'hard' landscaping, including the regulations surrounding permeable driveways (SUDS) and the structural requirements for roof terraces and balconies. He is an expert in selecting materials that withstand the British climate, offering definitive advice on teak maintenance, composite decking, and porcelain paving. Beyond construction, Julian is a skilled horticulturalist who understands the shifting hardiness zones in the UK; he advocates for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant planting to future-proof gardens. His advice covers the legalities of garden structures, such as planning permission for pergolas and boundary disputes regarding fencing. Julian believes that even a small balcony or north-facing courtyard can be a biodiversity hotspot if designed correctly. He writes to help homeowners avoid costly landscaping mistakes, such as poor drainage or incompatible plant selection.