Garden Designer in Hertfordshire and Essex
Step outside and feel a world away
There’s something about being in the garden after a long day that makes it easier to switch off. You might follow a path through the planting to a shady spot with a book, or light the firepit and stay outside as the stars come out. Perhaps it’s a terrace that takes you back to a favourite holiday, where lunch with friends can turn into a whole afternoon.
I design gardens around the way you’d love to spend time outside. I’ll help you see possibilities in your space you might not have imagined, bringing together a layout that suits your home, carefully chosen materials and distinctive planting that gives you something new to notice each season.
Meet Zoe
I’m Zoe Kilbride, a garden designer based near Bishop’s Stortford. When I worked in the fashion industry, my garden was my escape after a stressful day. I’d go outside for a wander and find it easier to switch off.
That’s one of the reasons I retrained in garden design at Capel Manor College. I wanted to help other people create a garden they could unwind in and enjoy spending time in.
Is garden design right for you?
Garden design can help bring clarity and direction to a project, whether you're creating a new garden from scratch or improving an existing space.
It may be right for you if you are:
Moving into a new-build home and unsure where to start
Planning a complete garden transformation
Extending or renovating your property and want the garden to feel connected to the house
Looking for a clear design before starting landscaping work
Wanting better structure, flow and year-round interest
Unsure how to bring planting, layout and materials together
If you're not sure where to begin, a garden design consultation is a simple way to explore ideas and understand what might be possible.
Take a look at some of my projects below, or see more on the Projects page.
Recent garden design projects
From blank canvases to established gardens
Many of the gardens I work on are either newly built, recently renovated or ready for a fresh start.
Some begin as blank canvases. Others have evolved over time and no longer suit the way the space is used. A home extension can completely change the relationship between the house and garden, while an established garden may simply need a clearer sense of structure and purpose.
My role is to bring together layout, planting and practical considerations to create a garden that feels cohesive, welcoming and enjoyable throughout the year.
Clients often come to me because:
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Their garden feels underwhelming or disjointed.
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They want clearer structure and better flow.
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They would like more privacy.
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They want year-round interest and spaces to relax.
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They need help visualising the potential of the space.
I work with both new and existing gardens, tailoring each design to the setting, the property and the people who use it.
What my clients say
Read more reviews on Google
Zoe efficiently managed all aspects of the garden renovations, ensuring that the work was completed on time and within our agreed budget.
Leanne H, Ongar
Zoe is such a talent and has transformed our new build garden into a pocket of paradise.
Rosa, Bishop's Stortford
The sight of my beautifully refreshed, re-wilded and restructured garden, with birds already exploring new opportunities, brought a smile to my face.
Heather, Bishop's Stortford
Start your garden project with a garden design consultation
If you’re unsure where to begin, a garden design consultation in Hertfordshire and Essex is a relaxed way to explore the possibilities for your garden.
During the visit, we can discuss layout, planting, materials and how the space could evolve, helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.
The consultation is a standalone paid service, and many clients find it provides enough clarity to move forward with their garden. If you decide to proceed with a full garden design, the consultation fee is credited towards the design service. You can read more about the garden design consultation here.
What would you love to change about your garden?
Perhaps it’s a shady spot for an afternoon doze, a seat tucked behind tall grasses or somewhere to sit with friends as the light fades.
Tell me a little about your garden and what you have in mind in my short project questionnaire. I’ll be in touch to talk through the next steps.