Garden Design in Hertfordshire and Essex
A GARDEN THAT FEELS LIKE YOURS
A garden can give you somewhere to unwind after work and somewhere to bring everyone together at the weekend. Perhaps you’d like a terrace for long lunches, a sheltered spot to read when it rains or a path that takes you past the busy parts of the garden to a quieter corner.
I’ll work with you to design the whole space around how you want to use it. We’ll look at where the sun falls, what you see from the house and how you move through the garden. I’ll bring the layout, materials and planting together so each part feels right for your home and the way you live.
“I want your garden to feel like somewhere you can leave the day behind. It might be a shady spot for an afternoon snooze or a firepit where you can sit under the stars. I love finding out what that little escape looks like for you.”
A thoughtful, tailored approach to garden design
Every garden comes with its own opportunities and challenges. The surrounding landscape, the architecture of the house and the way the space will be used all help shape the direction of the design.
My aim is always to create gardens that feel calm, cohesive and well balanced. Strong spatial planning provides the structure, while carefully considered planting brings softness, movement and seasonal interest.
Whether I'm designing a completely new garden or reworking an existing space, the goal remains the same: to create a garden that feels personal, purposeful and naturally connected to its surroundings.
You can view examples of completed projects below, and on the Projects page.
Recent garden design projects
What’s included in your garden design
I’ll bring your ideas together into a practical, detailed design, with the layout, materials and features considered as a whole.
Your proposal will set out the scope of work, thich typically includes:
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A site appraisal and discussion of your priorities
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A survey of the garden, quoted separately
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Design plans showing the layour and main garden features
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Guidance on paving, materials and finishes
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Planting design tailored to the garden and its conditions
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A presenstation of the design with time to discuss and refine it
Your garden design fee includes a detailed planting plan, with plants chosen to suit your garden’s conditions and bring colour, texture and interest throughout the seasons. The plants themselves and any planting work are quoted separately.
From first ideas to your finished garden
1. Tell me about your garden
Start with my project questionnaire. I’ll be in touch to discuss your ideas and arrange an initial visit if the project feels like a good fit.
2. Creating your design
Once you’ve accepted my proposal and the garden has been surveyed, I’ll develop the design. We’ll meet to look through the plans and material choices, with time for your feedback and any agreed refinements.
3. Preparing for landscaping
The design gives your landscaper a clear plan to quote from and work to. I can introduce landscapers I work with, or you’re welcome to use your own. Detailed planting plans can be developed while the landscaping quote is being prepared.
4. Bringing it to life
During the build, I can visit to check progress and talk through any questions. I can also source and supply your plants, arrange planting and leave you with guidance to help your garden establish.
Planning your garden budget
Your budget helps shape the design, from the layout and materials to the features that matter most to you. I’ll discuss this with you early on so we can plan realistically and make the most of your investment.
Every project is different, with design fees and landscaping costs depending on the size of your garden and the work involved. Detailed planting plans are included in your garden design fee. Surveys, plants and planting work are quoted separately.
You’ll find guidance on design fees and typical landscaping budgets on my Start Your Garden Project page, along with a questionnaire to tell me what you have in mind.
Is a full garden design right for you?
You might have plenty of ideas but struggle to bring them together, or know your garden needs to change without knowing where to start.
Full garden design could be a good fit if you’re:
Ready to rethink your garden’s layout and planting
Moving into a new-build home with a blank canvas
Extending or renovating and want the garden to work with your home
Making better use of an awkward or sloping space
I’ll help you see what’s possible and bring everything together into a clear plan.
If your layout already works and you’d like to transform your borders, explore my Planting Design service. For advice and ideas without detailed plans, take a look at my Garden Design Consultation.
