Every project is different.

Some projects are small and others are full makeovers. My approach though is broadly the same.

Understand what you want and need, make a plan that addresses all areas, build build build, quality control and sign off.

As you are currently reading this please let me quickly thank you for considering me for your garden project!

I want to take a moment to walk you through my approach to landscape gardening and design, so you can fully understand the process and what to expect. Later I will give you examples of question I may ask you. It’s good to stir the imagination and get to the root of what it is that you want from your garden space. We like detail here!

1. Understanding Your Vision

Before we start designing, the most important thing is understanding your vision. I’ll ask a few questions to get a sense of what you want from the space:

• How do you see yourself using the garden?

• What kind of atmosphere do you want to create?

• Do you prefer low-maintenance, formal, or perhaps something like an English cottage garden?

• Any structures and focal points you’d like?

Your answers help guide everything I do.

This is where you can share with me any images / links to things that have inspired you to look into redesigning your garden space.

2. Key Elements of Garden Design

To keep things simple it can all be summarised into 5 categories:

• Layout/Structure: Think of this as the "floor plan" of your garden—how we arrange pathways, patios, lawns, and planting beds so everything flows smoothly. It’s the foundation of the design.

• Planting: This is where we select the right trees, shrubs, and flowers. It’s important to choose plants that not only look beautiful but also thrive in our climate, soil type, and the sun or shade in your garden. For example, I'll want to focus on hardy perennials and native plants suited to England’s cooler, often damp conditions.

• Hardscaping: These are the non-plant features—patios, walls, water features, and more. These elements add structure, practicality, and visual interest to the space.

• Focal Points: A well-designed garden usually has a few focal points to draw your attention—whether it’s a beautiful tree, a sculpture, or a striking water feature. We can discuss what suits your taste and style.

• Sustainability: Many clients are interested in making their garden eco-friendly, so we offer sustainable options like native planting, rainwater harvesting, and organic maintenance solutions.

3. My Design Process

Here’s a quick overview of how I'll bring your garden to life:

• Site Survey: First, I'll do a thorough assessment of your existing garden. We’ll look at things like the ground, drainage, sun exposure and travel, what we are keeping and whats to go, to ensure the design works with your space.

• Concept Design: This is where I’ll take your ideas and preferences and turn them into a rough design. I’ll present you with sketches or digital models, so you can see how the elements come together. This phase is all about collaboration—your feedback is essential.

• Detailed Plan: Once you approve the concept, I'll get into the details—specific plants, materials, and finishes. This is where we can calculate, finalize the cost and estimate a timeline of works.

• Implementation: Finally, I'll move to the building phase. I’ll manage everything, from ordering materials to overseeing contractors where appropriate. You can relax while I ensure that everything is executed to plan. I enjoy it all so rest assured that you are in safe, experienced hands.

4. An Easy Analogy

Think of garden design like designing a house. Just as you’d arrange furniture in a living room to make it comfortable and functional, I'll place plants, trees, and features in the garden to create a space that’s not only beautiful but practical for your lifestyle.

5. Timeframes and Expectations

It’s important to remember that gardens take time to mature. While I'll install everything to look great from the start, your garden will truly come to life over the course of one or two growing seasons. This is when plants establish themselves and fill out, making the garden feel complete. The best before and after photos take a revisit years later.

6. I’m Here for Questions

Please feel free to ask any questions along the way. There’s no such thing as a silly question—my goal is to ensure you feel confident and excited about your new garden. I’m here to guide you every step of the way.