Planting Design
Planting design across Hertfordshire and Essex, creating layered, naturalistic planting schemes that bring structure, softness and seasonal interest to your garden. Ideal for refreshing borders or transforming an existing space through thoughtful planting. Plant supply and placement can also be arranged.
Garden Design Consultation
A garden design consultation for clients in Hertfordshire and Essex, offering on-site advice to explore ideas for your garden. We can discuss layout, planting, materials and practical solutions, helping you clarify the possibilities and decide on the best next steps. A written summary can also be provided.
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.
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.
Throughout the project, Zoe's professionalism and dedication shone through. She efficiently managed all aspects of the garden renovations, ensuring that the work was completed on time and within our agreed budget. Her passion was evident in every interaction!!
I couldn't be happier with the end result and would highly recommend Zoe to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and talented garden designer.
See project
Leanne H, Ongar
Zoe is such a talent and has transformed our new build garden into a pocket of paradise. It’s SO well designed, giving us 4 spaces to live in. Plants she chose are mature so we can enjoy them now and the landscapers she works with (HardCraft Landscaping) were super stars too. Zoe didn’t just design the space and disappear, she came to check on the garden’s progress and is so lovely l cannot recommend her and the service enough. 🏡🪴
See project
Rosa, Bishop's Stortford
A & V, 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.
Garden design, planting design and garden design consultations in Hertfordshire and Essex
I design gardens shaped by landscape, soil, architecture and the way each space is lived in, creating places that feel natural, balanced and connected to their setting.
From layout to planting, every detail is chosen to suit the character of the garden and the property around it.
If you’d like to discuss a garden design project, I’d love to hear from you.
What my clients say
See all reviews on our Google page here
Garden design and planting services
I'm Zoe Kilbride, a Capel Manor trained garden designer based near Bishop's Stortford, creating thoughtful gardens for clients across Hertfordshire and Essex.
Many of my clients come to me after moving into a new-build home, completing a renovation project or extending their property. Others simply know their garden could work better but aren't sure where to begin.
Whether you're starting with a blank canvas, redesigning an existing garden or looking for expert planting advice, I create outdoor spaces that feel beautiful, practical and connected to the way you live.
Explore the services below to find the right starting point for your garden project.