New build garden inspiration with Terra Foras

As summer approaches and the days grow longer, your garden becomes an extension of your home. For many new build homeowners, outdoor spaces are a blank canvas full of potential and with warmer weather on the way, now is the perfect time to start planning.

We recently caught up with Adam, owner of landscaping company Terra Foras to talk about new build garden inspiration and how to make the most of your outdoor space this summer.

Adam, who studied architecture at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen before moving into the oil and gas industry, started Terra Foras in 2021. Since then, the company has worked on a wide range of projects in Chapelton – from turfing and fencing for developers to full design and build gardens across the village.

Can you tell us more about the making of Terra Foras?

“It was spring 2021. I was in a hotel in Norway waiting on a delayed offshore trip and decided to start Terra Foras – probably one of the more productive ways to pass the time!

“It came from a desire to combine my background in design with a long-standing interest in nature and to build something more hands-on and creative. The name itself is inspired by botanical Latin – Terra meaning earth or ground – and the Scottish Gaelic Foras, meaning to rejuvenate or improve. That idea of restoring and enhancing the land sits at the core of what we do.”

Starting with a blank canvas can feel overwhelming – what key advice would you give to homeowners tackling their first garden project?

“Start with the basics. Where does the sun fall throughout the day? Where does the wind come from? And how do you actually want to use the space? Getting those fundamentals right makes everything else much easier and helps avoid decisions that look good on paper but don’t work in reality.”

What are the most common mistakes homeowners make when starting to landscape a new-build garden?

“A big one is pushing everything to the edges – patios tucked at the back, planting along the fence and leaving a large, empty lawn in the middle. In reality, the key features should be where you’ll actually use and enjoy them most. The patio, for example, should usually be where the sun is.

“There’s also a tendency for lawns to take centre stage, when they’re often the least interesting part of the garden.”

What would you say to homeowners who see their garden as an afterthought?

“It’s understandable – gardens often come at the end of a long and expensive process but they have a huge impact on day-to-day life. A well-designed garden gives you a space to switch off, spend time outside and connect with nature. Whether it’s watching wildlife, growing something or just having somewhere quiet to sit, it all feeds into your overall wellbeing more than people often expect.”

Are there any plants you recommend for Scotland’s unique climate?

“You can’t go far wrong with native plants. They’ve evolved to handle our conditions, especially wind and changeable weather, and tend to be more resilient as a result. They’re also incredibly valuable ecologically, as local wildlife has evolved alongside them and often depends on them as part of its lifecycle.”

What are some creative ways to enhance a smaller garden?

“It might sound counterintuitive, but using larger elements in a small garden can actually make it feel bigger – similar to how it works in interior design. 

“Softening or obscuring boundaries with planting also helps blur the edges of the space, giving a greater sense of depth and making the garden feel less enclosed.”

How can homeowners achieve a garden that looks great year-round with minimal effort?

“Focus on a strong structure and plants that offer interest across multiple seasons. Another simple but effective approach is to leave taller herbaceous plants and grasses standing over winter. They add texture, catch the light beautifully, support wildlife and can then be cut back in one go in early spring.”

What are easy ways to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies?

“Planting is key. Use plenty of nectar-rich, long-flowering species, along with early sources of pollen for insects emerging after winter.

“A bit of diversity also goes a long way. Gardens that are slightly looser and more natural in their planting tend to be far more beneficial than very minimal or overly controlled schemes.”

Can you tell us about a garden transformation that really stands out?

“In Aberdeen, we recently transformed what was essentially a tarmac driveway into a proper garden space. The vision was to create something calm and immersive, with lush planting, a cascading water feature and comfortable seating, all centered around an existing mature Japanese Acer, which became the heart of the design.

“The before-and-after was a big shift, but more importantly, the clients said it completely changed how they experienced their home, both spending time outside and even just looking out from inside.”

Terra Foras offers a complete design and build service, taking projects from initial concept right through to completion. Every garden is designed to suit a defined budget, creating a tailored process that works for each homeowner and lifestyle. 

The company also covers elements such as garden lighting, tree surgery, and ongoing maintenance, helping gardens not only look great when finished but continue to grow and improve over time.

For more information on Terra Foras, visit the website: https://www.terraforas.com/

Related Articles

The faces behind Chapelton: Meet Carol

The business owners behind The Boxes