A garden design studio. Specialist Landscapes.

Balston Agius is a British landscape and garden design practice based in Wiltshire and London, operating on both a national and international basis. Our experience, built over a period of more than 30 years, lies in the fields of landscape and garden design, landscape planning, architecture, horticulture and management. Although the heart of our business is in the creative design of landscapes, gardens and their buildings, and their realisation, the company also carries out other related tasks such as urban planning, estate planning, costing reviews where required, as well as Public Inquiries.

At Balston Agius we design with passion. We create exciting, innovative and beautiful environments throughout the UK and internationally. We listen to Clients and collaborators and, working creatively, build on their intentions. We develop an in-depth understanding of each site. Our skill is to turn a well thought through concept into a finely constructed and planted reality.

Our guiding principle is to achieve synergy between architecture, horticulture and management through original and inspirational designs. At the same time, we are thoroughly realistic about limitations presented by the site – the location, history, planning or budget. We firmly believe that a close relationship and constructive dialogue with our Clients at all times throughout a job is of paramount importance in achieving outstanding results.

Marie-Louise Agius

Marie-Louise, an award-winning designer, holds a Master's from Edinburgh University and trained in Landscape Design at KLC School of Design in London. She gained hands-on experience as a Senior Contracts Manager at Clifton Nurseries before joining Balston Agius, where she has been for over 15 years.

Based in London and the New Forest, she oversees project management, detailed design, specifications, site supervision, and plant acquisition. Her portfolio includes private estates, urban gardens, and high-profile projects such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal-winning East Village Show Garden, Maggie’s Centre in Leeds, and the BALI award-winning Centenary Garden at Exbury Gardens.

Marie-Louise is a Director of Exbury Gardens and plays a key role in its strategic development. She is also an RHS judge and serves on various selection panels for Show Gardens.

Philosophy

Our design philosophy at Balston Agius is to create exciting, innovative and beautiful environments wherever we work. Our skill is to turn a well thought through concept into a finely constructed and planted reality that celebrates a sense of place and satisfies the aspirations of the Client.

Our guiding principle is to achieve synergy between architecture, horticulture and management through original and inspirational designs. At the same time, we are wholly realistic about limitations presented by the site, its location, history, planning and the budget. Design is based on a detailed understanding and analysis of the physical and emotional characteristics of every site where we work and an open and clear communication with Client, Design Team, Specialists, Contractors and Managers.

We seek sustainable solutions to problems and always promote the ecological diversity and richness of our sites. While well-practised in the use of local and traditional materials and native planting, we enjoy the challenges of more modern materials and planting methods. Furthermore, with many years’ experience in planning and conservation we are always prepared to question assumptions and work with Consultants and Authorities to achieve the best solutions for available.

We firmly believe that a close relationship and constructive dialogue with our Clients is of paramount importance to achieve world class results.

Communicating Design

With extensive experience in planning and spatial design, the company brings a refined approach to creating landscapes that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings. Our portfolio spans large-scale conservation projects in historically and ecologically sensitive sites, where we navigate complex building layouts and master planning for country estates.

From expansive rural estates to intricate urban landscapes, our expertise ensures designs that are both functional and visually striking. We incorporate immersive site technology to enhance spatial understanding and utilise artistic skills to shape environments that are both sustainable and timeless.

Horticultural Expertise

At the heart of our horticultural knowledge is Marie-Louise Agius, Director of the gardens at Exbury—renowned for its extensive woodland collection of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Magnolias, and Maples. These gardens, first cultivated by her great-grandfather, serve as a living laboratory for plant selection, adaptation, and composition.

Our experience spans a vast range of plant palettes, trialled across different conditions to ensure resilience and beauty. We personally inspect and source key plants for major horticultural projects, collaborating with top nurseries across Europe and the UK. This dedication to research, plant acquisition, and expert partnerships ensures that every garden thrives with the right selection of flora.

Project Delivery

Our approach is built on a foundation of design integrity, meticulous landscape planning, and an intuitive understanding of what works best for both client and site. We believe in crafting landscapes that not only meet aesthetic and functional needs but also evolve harmoniously with time and nature.