Garden design

For over a decade we have transformed gardens, from small to large, all-over Brighton, Hove and surrounding areas. Bringing in a professional garden designer not only gives you the garden you actually want to use and love, but it will save you so much stress and hassle. Our chief designer has over 12 years of experience in turning under used, unloved outdoor spaces into well thought out, usable, beautiful oases.

No matter how tricky your garden may seem, her ability to visualise the full potential of your space allows you achieve a beautiful cohesive garden that will blend with your home and provide much joy and pleasure for years to come.

Working closely with a team of trusted landscapers we are able to offer the full 360 build. Full project management; help with materials choice and of course planting!!!!

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, such as outdoor rooms, gazebos or even a simple pergola are designed carefully to suit the existing structural styles and eventual planting

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 plants. This meeting is followed up by a detailed email covering everything that was discussed. including the next steps should you wish to go further.

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 scaled hand drawing will give you a real sense of what you could get. The design package includes the survey, soil analysis, design drawing and modifications*, all informed by meaningful discussions with you. We charge £650-£880 for this depending upon the size of the project. Larger projects may cost more. Planting schemes start from £180.

At this stage, you decide if you’d like to implement the design on your own or commission us to do it.

* one re draw only

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 working closely with a trusted and dedicated team of experienced landscapers 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.