FOR THE OUTDOORS

Founder Laura Hogg

07817 604846
laurahogg@live.com
www.fortheoutdoors.co.uk
@fortheoutdoors_

Hi Laura, welcome to The Sourcebook. Can you tell us about For The Outdoors; who are you and what do you do?

I created For The Outdoors about two years ago during lockdown after studying horticulture and garden design. Whilst having to stay at home during the pandemic and home schooled our two children, I began to slowly set up the business. It's essentially me providing garden design, care and styling for outdoor spaces. I’m based in Walthamstow but can work all over London and even further.

Thinking about the outdoors in particular, what inspires you?

I’m lucky enough to live on the edge of Epping Forest so I spend a lot of my time there with my kids and dog. I’m always inspired by nature and its wildness, as well as the changing seasons, but I do love interiors and architecture too. A lot of what I do is finding the perfect balance between hard and soft landscaping so all of these elements help to inspire my work. I also get to work in some incredible gardens which are always an inspiration.

Why are our gardens important and what role can they play in our home?

I think during the pandemic we realised how important it is to have access to an outdoor space, and if we were lucky enough to have a garden then I think we started to look at them a little differently. I think of the garden as an extension on the home - and it should be treated in this way. It should reflect our own personal style but provide us with sanctuary and enjoyment all year round. And now, our outdoor spaces also play a vital role in helping to care for our planet’s future; even a small space can become a biodiverse haven for pollinators, insects and wildlife. So I'm passionate about introducing people to what they can achieve within their own spaces.

What are the three key things we should consider when deciding what we want from our garden?

1. How will I use the space. Entertaining, relaxing, growing, minimal, seasonal, etc. These are just a few of the uses you should start to think about before making big changes to your garden.

2. What’s your style? This can sometimes take a while to figure out, and you might need some help to think that process through, which is where I come in!

3. Less obvious things like the garden’s outlook, its surrounding areas, its soil - all of these will need to play a part in deciding the layout and planting.

What is the first step in working with you?

The first step would be to get in touch. We can then arrange to meet and discuss your needs and have a look at the space you're looking to change.

In a world where our Summers are getting hotter, which plants are suitable for coping with the increased heat?  And how can we better protect our lawns?

There are lots of drought tolerant plants and more designers are starting to use these to cut back on watering. There are many opportunities for this and I can help choose the right ones. Also its about creating more areas for shade, so planting small-medium trees and buolding spaces to create dappled shade throuhgout the garden. Shade plants are beautiful too!

What is your process and are you happy to collaborate with your clients?

After we have agreed to work together, I would visit your garden and carry out a site survey. Typically this involves taking measurements and gathering as much information about the current garden as I can. We’ll then discuss your needs and requirements and start to form your design brief. I then spend some time developing concepts and mood boards to inspire you.

We want to have a balance between something that is designed, and something that is practical for you. Attention to detail is really important so thinking about those smaller, less obvious ideas can often generate a talking point for the garden.

Then, once we’ve agreed the final layout and design, we can start turning it into reality! I support the process right through until the garden is fully planted. I also offer garden care to really give the garden the best start.

Do you have a signature or ‘go-to’ feature that you like to include in your designs?

Lots of planting! I think if someone is looking for plastic grass and minimal planting areas then I’m probably not the right person for them. Plants can be low maintenance if they are chosen well and planted in the right place!