The words 'Silva Vista' written in a handwritten, sketch-like font.

Landscape designer Cumbria, North Yorkshire, Lancashire + further afield

Award-winning, Garden & Landscape Design studio

‘Design is Thought’

We pride ourselves on listening to and understanding the vision and needs of our clients. From initial concept to completed sanctuary, our process is characterised by its non linear nature, allowing for revisiting and refining ideas during the design journey.

Whatever your requirements, whether a small intimate courtyard or a sweeping rural landscape, get in touch to arrange an initial consultation.

Two beige pampas grass plumes on black background.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show, SANCTUM, Gold
A beige wall with the word 'SANCTU' carved into it, surrounded by lush green plants and small trees casting shadows on the wall.
Logo for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024, featuring a tree with gold branches and roots, surrounded by text indicating a gold medal winner, with green and gold-background colors, awarded to Sonja Kalkschmidt Silva Vista for the garden Sanctum.
A hand chiselled 'S' into sandstone, with shadows of leaves nearby, a detail of the Gold award winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden SANCTUM by Sonja Kalkschmidt, Silva Vista
Sunlight filters through trees illuminating a garden with a sandstone wall featuring the word 'SANCTUM' and black curved sculptures on a wooden deck, surrounded by lush green foliage and planters, Gold award winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Sonja K
Reflection of fern leaves on a water surface with raindrops, on a reflective surface with a metal edge. A detail of the Gold award winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden SANCTUM by Sonja Kalkschmidt, Silva Vista
Close-up view of a black charred arch in Abodo wood, with green leafy plants, with a sign partially visible behind the foliage and trees in the background. A detail of the Gold award winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden SANCTUM by Sonja Kalkschmid
Sonja Kalkschmidt with curly hair wearing a black turtleneck and a necklace, standing in her Gold award winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden Sanctum with lush foliage and trees.

About

Thoughtful garden design

Led by RHS Chelsea Gold winner Sonja Kalkschmidt, Silva Vista blends personal narratives with the spirit of place, crafting gardens that reflect both their surroundings and the lives within them. Each space is designed to harmonise with architecture, nourish well-being, and invite daily connection to the natural world.

Get in touch to begin your garden transformation.

  • A gold award winning RHS Chelsea flower show garden 'SANCTUM' with various green foliage and patterned leafy plants in front of a large stone wall with the word 'SANCUM' engraved, casting shadows of the leaves and branches.
  • A backyard garden with two wooden chairs, a small tree, flowering plants, and a stone wall in the background on a sunny day.
  • Close-up of wildflowers and grasses growing in front of a stone wall.
  • A colorful garden with blooming flowers, trees, and a stone pathway under a blue sky with clouds and birds flying.
  • RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 gold medal winner badge with a tree logo and the text "RHS", "Gold Medal Winner", "RHS Chelsea Flower Show", and the year "2024", awarded to Sonja Kalkschmidt Silva Vista for her garden SANCTUM.
  • Circle badge with green background reading 'Pro Landscape Project Awards 2025, Shortlisted, Temporary Installation, Under £50,000' awarded to Sonja Kalkschmidt Silva Vista for the garden Sanctum.
  • Green circular award badge for the 2025 Project Awards, Shortlisted for a special feature under 50,000, awarded to Sonja Kalkschmidt Silva Vista for the garden Sanctum.
  • Award badge with a green leaf logo and the text "Wildlife Friendly Design Competition" surrounded by a decorative gray and black geometric border, with ribbons reading "Recommended" and "Landscape., awarded to Sonja Kalkschmidt Silva Vista.
  • An award badge with a purple background and brighter purple border, displaying the text '2024 Northern Design Awards Finalist' in dark purple and black, awarded to Sonja Kalkschmidt Silva Vista for the garden Sanctum.