“The joy that gardens can give us is the inspiration behind the name ‘Felicity’ Garden Design. Gardens possess the magic to transport and lift us as human beings. A garden that is designed with this in mind will provide its owner with a space to retreat to when in need of peace and joy.”

FGD Director Antonia Couling is a fully qualified garden designer, certified horticulturist and garden historian.

Antonia grew up in Britain, but was born in Rome and comes from a family made up of multiple nationalities. This international background has informed her design journey over the years.

Having lived in many different countries, with family throughout Europe, America, New Zealand and South America, she has encountered gardens and planting all over the world. Antonia’s Italian heritage is, however, the strongest influence. She has returned to Italy all her life, staying with family friends in palazzi and villas and visiting gardens as often as possible. Italian garden design history is in her blood.

Antonia’s maintenance experience has given her a deep insight into the relationship between client and garden and has led to a special interest in the well-being elements of gardening. Her work as a lecturer in Garden Design means that she is constantly updating methods and approaches to gardening in the most sustainable way possible. Biodiversity and plant and wildlife ecology underpin every garden she designs.

Antonia’s passion for history was realised when she completed a Masters in Garden and Landscape History at the Institute of Historical Research at University College London. She also sits on the conference committee for The Society of Garden Designers and lectures in garden design at Capel Manor Environmental College.