In Conversation with Toby Pritchard of Capel Gardens

Gardens for connection with nature

Capel Gardens is based in Leicestershire and design and maintain gardens across the county and surrounding areas. Their goal is to create places of beauty, connection and seasonal interest.

Their work was born out of a love for creating and maintaining spaces that connect people to the natural world. Founded by award-winning garden designer Toby Pritchard, the practice blends artistry with functionality, crafting outdoor spaces that feel as beautiful as they are liveable. Recognised at Gardeners’ World Live and featured on BBC’s Gardeners’ World, Toby's designs bring people together while complementing every lifestyle.

Distinctive design style

When asked to describe his design style, Toby explains:

“I typically design to a brief; however, I tend to favour strong geometric lines, softened with planting that flops naturally over the edges. I work with a limited plant palette, focusing on plants that ‘die with grace,’ ensuring there’s always seasonal interest, even in the quieter months.”

This thoughtful approach balances structure with softness, producing gardens that evolve gracefully throughout the year.

A recent project: blending practicality and play

One recent project beautifully illustrates this philosophy. The garden already had strong bones, but evolving family dynamics called for change.

The redesign focused on reducing the maintenance needs, introducing a soft lawn and adding engaging features for grandchildren’s play and ensuring the space felt welcoming for the whole family.

Toby also had to find a way to harmonise new elements with an existing patio and walling. The result is a garden that feels cohesive, functional, and inviting, without losing its original character.

Working with Corten Steel

Corten Steel has become a go-to material for Capel Gardens. Its versatility and striking weathered patina make it a standout choice for many design applications. As Toby says:

“What I love most about Corten steel is its individuality, the patina is never the same twice. As it weathers, it reveals unique patterns that give each installation its own personality. The warm tones provide a bold contrast against planting, offering instant impact with minimal upkeep.”

Sources of inspiration

Great design always draws on inspiration, and for Toby, there are certain gardens that are must-visits including RHS Rosemoor. This relatively new garden is beautifully laid out and for Toby it's packed with take-home ideas. He's also a fan of Coton Manor, a smaller but immaculately maintained garden with fantastic bluebell displays in Spring.

We asked Toby what tips he would give anyone designing their own garden and he offered this helpful advice:

"Try to keep your plant palette focused. I like to build a resilient matrix of core plants that offer structure and seasonal stability year-round. Into this, I weave seasonal layers—bulbs and versatile plants like Phlomis, which blooms from May to September and then forms striking seed heads that carry interest right through winter."

All gardens tells a story of the people who live there, the materials chosen, and the plants that evolve with the seasons. For Toby, design is about more than creating a beautiful space; it’s about building a connection to nature that feels personal, practical, and timeless.

All photos by Fraser West of We The Conspiritors.

Check out Capel Garden's other work on their website and Instagram.