hello. i’m debbie
Wife, mother & creative
For years, I felt stuck in a career that drained me. I longed for something more – something creative, something fulfilling. So in 2011, I took a leap. I left my administrative job in the fashion industry and started a small garden-inspired business, selling window boxes, planters, birdhouses, pure scented candles and handmade fabric garlands and wreaths at local farmers’ markets.
But as much as I loved crafting, I quickly realised my true passion wasn’t in the products themselves – it was in the designing, packaging and branding. That discovery led me to explore Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and soon I found myself creating digital designs for my fellow market stallholders. What started as a side project quickly grew into a full-fledged graphic and surface pattern design career, which you can explore over at my studio, Seaweed & Spruce.
Yet, my love for gardening, home decor, wellness and a creative, intentional lifestyle never faded. Boxwood & Bay is my space to share that passion – a place to connect with others who appreciate the beauty of a well-styled home, a thriving garden and a balanced way of living. While this blog is a labor of love, I’m just as committed to nurturing this community as I am to my design work.
Here, you’ll find inspiration, practical tips and creative ideas to bring more beauty and joy into your everyday life. Whether you’re looking for gardening advice, home styling tips, healthy living inspiration or simply a like-minded space to feel at home, I hope Boxwood & Bay becomes a place you love to visit.
Welcome, I’m so happy you’re here!
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Garden Landscaping Kit
Transform Your Garden with Ease! Planning your dream outdoor space has never been simpler. Download our free Garden Landscaping Kit, featuring scaled PNG files of essential garden elements – from pathways and water features to trees and plants. Perfect for use in Canva, Photoshop or Affinity, this kit also includes A4 graph paper to help you design a functional and beautiful garden layout. Whether you’re a DIY gardener or working with a professional landscaper, this tool will streamline your planning process. Get your free kit today and start designing!
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My favourite Garden styles
- I love coastal gardens for their beauty and resilience, showcasing seaside flora in serene, salt and wind resistant landscapes. Tresco Abbey Gardens located on the Isles of Scilly, off the Cornish coast, enjoys a unique Mediterranean coastal climate.
- The prairie style holds a special place in my heart. Its focus on planting grasses in drifts to mimic natural beauty. Check out this brilliant post by Mount Venus Nursery for more information.
- The charm of Mediterranean-walled gardens, with their peaceful tranquility and sun-loving plants, deeply resonates with me. This Vogue Magazine post is a must-read!
- I have a profound appreciation for the intricate beauty of a herbaceous border. The thoughtful arrangement of perennials provides a vibrant display of colours and textures throughout the seasons. The Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum has one of the finest examples of a herbaceous border.
- The cottage garden, with its mix of flowers, herbs, and vegetables, embodies rustic simplicity and abundance. Enjoy this very helpful post from House & Garden. You’re welcome!
