Garden Design FAQs
Garden Design and Planting Services in Hertfordshire and Essex
If you're looking for more information about the garden design process, planting plans, or how Zoe works with clients, the answers below should help.
Here you'll find helpful information about the services offered and how Zoe can help transform your outdoor space, whether you're based in Bishop’s Stortford, St Albans, Epping, Saffron Walden or the surrounding villages.
Is there a free initial consultation?
Yes. Zoe offers a free initial consultation at your garden, usually lasting around 20 to 30 minutes. This is an opportunity to meet in person, briefly walk through the space and discuss your ideas for the garden.
The visit helps Zoe understand the garden and your goals, and allows her to explain the design services available and the possible next steps for your project.
What is the difference between the free initial consultation and a garden design consultation?
The free initial consultation is a short introductory visit to your garden, lasting around 20 to 30 minutes. It provides an opportunity to meet Zoe, discuss your ideas and explore whether garden design or planting design would be the right approach for your space.
A garden design consultation is a longer, paid professional session lasting around 60 minutes. During this visit Zoe will explore the garden in more detail and provide tailored design guidance on layout, planting, materials and how the space could be developed.
Following the consultation, Zoe prepares a short written report summarising the key ideas and recommendations discussed, which is emailed within one to two weeks.
What does a garden design include?
A garden design sets out a clear layout for your garden, showing how the space can be arranged to suit how you would like to use it. This may include different areas for seating, entertaining, planting or relaxing, as well as the overall structure of paths, terraces and borders.
When developing the design Zoe will consider the existing features of the garden such as boundaries, levels, services and any trees or shrubs that should be retained.
The design can then be used by your chosen landscaper to carry out the hard landscaping work. Zoe is happy to collaborate with your landscaper or suggest contractors where appropriate, and can be involved at key stages of the project to help ensure the design is implemented successfully before planting begins.
What is a planting plan?
A planting plan is a detailed drawing that shows exactly where each plant should be positioned within your garden beds or borders. It includes the location, spacing and quantity of every plant, helping to create a balanced and well-structured scheme.
Each plan is carefully tailored to suit the conditions of your garden, including factors such as soil type, light levels, orientation and your personal preferences.
The plan is produced to scale and indicates how many of each plant are required and where they should be placed to achieve the best overall effect as the garden develops and matures.
Can you order and supply the plants?
Yes, Zoe can arrange the sourcing and supply of plants for your garden. She works with a number of trusted nurseries that provide high quality, healthy plants suited to each project.
Zoe can organise the ordering and delivery of the plants on your behalf. This includes a management fee for coordinating the process and ensuring the plants are sourced and delivered at the right time. If required, planting can also be arranged once the plants have arrived.
Alternatively, you are very welcome to source the plants yourself using the planting plan provided. The approach can be tailored to whatever works best for you.
Do you work on gardens of all sizes?
Yes. Zoe designs gardens of all shapes and sizes, from compact courtyard gardens to larger rural plots across Essex and Hertfordshire.
Thoughtful design can transform even the smallest space into something beautiful, functional and full of character, while larger gardens offer opportunities to create structure, flow and a strong connection with the surrounding landscape.
Do you offer standalone planting design?
Yes. If the layout of your garden is already in place but you would like a professional planting scheme, Zoe can create a tailored planting plan to enhance and refresh your existing space.
This is a popular option for borders that need new life, or for areas of the garden that would benefit from a more cohesive planting approach with structure, seasonal interest and a natural sense of balance.
How much does garden design cost?
Costs vary depending on the scale and complexity of the garden. As a general guide:
• Small garden designs start from £795
• Standalone planting plans start from £400
All projects are priced individually to reflect the size of the space and the level of design work required. If you would like an estimate for your garden, please get in touch and Zoe will be happy to discuss your project and provide a tailored quote.
Do you offer garden maintenance?
Zoe does not offer regular garden maintenance. However, she provides guidance to help you care for your garden as it develops.
With every planting plan you will receive a seasonal plant care guide, along with advice on how to look after the plants throughout the year. Zoe is also happy to offer ongoing guidance as your garden matures.
An optional annual garden review can also be arranged, where Zoe visits the garden to assess how the planting is establishing and suggest any adjustments that may be beneficial.
How long does the garden design process take?
Once the deposit has been received, your project will be scheduled. In most cases there is a lead time of around four to six weeks before the design work begins.
From that point, the first version of the design is usually ready within two weeks. Allowing time for feedback, refinements and any follow up discussions, the full design process typically takes around four weeks to complete.
The exact timing can vary depending on the scale of the project and the level of detail required.
Can you design a low-maintenance garden?
Yes. Zoe can design gardens that are easier to care for by selecting suitable plants, materials and layouts that reduce the amount of regular upkeep required.
Planting schemes can be designed to be resilient and well suited to the conditions of your garden, helping plants establish well and thrive with less intervention.
While thoughtful design can greatly reduce the amount of work needed, it is important to remember that all gardens require some level of ongoing care to keep them looking their best.
Which areas do you cover?
Zoe Kilbride Garden Design is based in Birchanger, near Bishop’s Stortford, and works with clients across Essex and Hertfordshire.
Zoe regularly designs gardens in areas including Saffron Walden, Bishop’s Stortford, Great Dunmow, Epping, Ongar, Brentwood, St Albans and Harpenden, as well as the surrounding villages.
If you are based nearby and are looking for a garden designer, Zoe would be very happy to hear from you.
Ready to transform your garden?
Whether you are looking to redesign your entire garden, enhance an existing space, or simply need a planting plan to bring new life to your borders, Zoe would be delighted to help. She works closely with clients across Hertfordshire and Essex to create thoughtful, timeless gardens that reflect your lifestyle and the character of your home.
From compact courtyard gardens to larger rural plots, every garden has the potential to become a beautiful and well balanced outdoor space.