Garden design

Our garden transformations range from small front gardens to larger design projects. A beautiful garden doesn’t need to cost the earth in hard landscaping….a great planting scheme can transform any garden by adding structure through new textures, forms and colours. We offer a design only and a design + planting service.

The truth is, most gardens develop ‘ad hoc’ because we buy plants we like and put them where they best fit at the time. As a result, the garden lacks cohesiveness. 

Planting design is a skill that marries the creative eye with a deep horticultural knowledge, resulting in a sense of balance, rhythm and unity year-round, that connects you with nature and makes you feel good.

As plant passionistas, it will come as no surprise that plants feature heavily in our designs, ranging from strong architectural planting to softer naturalistic schemes. Plants are exciting! New structures, if needed, are chosen carefully to suit planting and existing structural styles. For example, a water feature constructed of quality components and natural materials introduces sound and motion, which many people find therapeutic. 

Design process

1.

First Consultation

The first meeting carries a fee of £95 and in this initial meeting, our highly experienced designer will walk through your garden with you and discuss what is AND what isn’t possible. She’ll be able to give you many ideas, suggestions and help in identifying existing plans. This meeting is followed up by a detailed email covering everything that was discussed. Should you wish to go further then this initial fee is deducted from your design fee.

The devil’s in the detail - we’ll then send you a detailed questionnaire to capture everything we need to stimulate a creative response and ensure you’re getting your dream garden.

2.

Survey and discussion

We’ll survey the site (this includes charting size, existing structures, sun patterns and influences and soil analysis) and progress ideas, including themes, creative and practical options, likes and dislikes.

3.

Design

A detailed drawing illustrated with watercolours will give you a real sense of what you’ll get for your budget. The design package includes the survey, soil analysis, design drawing and modifications, all informed by meaningful discussions with you. It also includes a planting scheme. We charge £550-£750 for this depending upon the size of the project. Larger projects may cost more. At this stage, you decide if you’d like to implement the design on your own or commission us to do it.  

4.

Implementation

Once you’ve signed off the design, budget and schedule, we’ll get cracking. Hilary fully manages every garden transformation from start to finish, bringing in other professionals as needed to help deliver the garden of your dreams.

— The Jones Family

VERY PROFESSIONAL

“We’re so grateful to Hilary and her team. Our garden has gone from a little-used mud patch (most of the year) to a fully functioning, 365 days-a-year room. They were very professional from start to finish. And because she listened to all the family and discussed with us our needs and wants from the garden, the project went smoothly. We can't recommend them highly enough.”

— Lizzie

A BEAUTIFUL, BURGEONING ARRAY OF COLOUR AND INTEREST
“Hilary transformed my garden from an unloved, uninspiring, dead expanse to a beautiful, burgeoning array of colour and interest. Her specialist pruning service has taken it further, year by year, as she sculpts, shapes and embellishes.”

— Sarah

UTTERLY DELIGHTED.

It was just as I envisioned, but more so! Utterly delighted. It’s no small thing to say that it has changed my life - I got the garden of my dreams and I’ve become a gardener.”

— Karin

ENDLESS IDEAS AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT PLANTS AND PLANNING

I love gardening but never had enough hours in the day to keep on top of mine. I felt overwhelmed and didn’t quite know where to start! Hilary came to the rescue and completely understood that I love a wild garden but also knew how to tame it to a manageable state for me. She gave me just the help and confidence I needed!

— Caroline

THE BEST DISPLAY WE’VE EVER HAD

"We got Hilary in to prune our roses last year and this year’s display was the best we have ever had. She's booked in again!"

— Willem

INCREDIBLE IMPACT

“A half-day of specialist pruning from Hilary has given the garden a sculptural nip and tuck and doubled the coverage of our roses and climbers. An incredible impact.”

— Liz

I'm a keen gardener but there are times when you need Hillary's expertise. Pruning for one thing - incredible! My roses have gone from pitiful to magnificent! Same thing applies to allotment planning and new raised beds. She combines design skills, horticultural know how and hard graft with winning results.

— Lizzy A

I literally had no clue what to do with my garden... the previous owners seemed not to like plants and had covered the whole area in plastic with a bit of soil on top... there was nothing, absolutely nothing there. Then Hilary arrived and completely transformed my sad garden into a lush oasis. It's beautiful. I have roses, apple trees (they're saplings but they are growing), lavender, peonies and a whole lot of other colourful plants that I am still learning the names of. I absolutely love what Hilary has done, and by God she is fast too. Thanks so much, Hilary! Lizzy A, Brighton

— Sally

I have known Hilary through The Garden House Friday group for nearly 3 years now. I do have some gardening knowledge, but it has been really lovely to employ Hilary to give me another perspective with my established, above average Brighton garden, as well as tackling certain jobs with gusto that I couldn't face.Hilary works hard and is always at hand to give suggestions and is more than happy to go away and research further. She is both knowledgable and enthusiastic, and really enjoys co- gardening.

— Sarah

Two years ago, I had my first meeting with Hilary. We talked through what I wanted from my garden, what would allow me to get out and enjoy it with confidence, which I lacked at that time. She came back with drawings and lots of great ideas, a few I wasn't sure about but mostly she had read me very well. I now have a garden which continues to give me a huge amount of pleasure,thanks to Hilary.