About

What I offer

Packages range from,

Garden consultation: The consultation package is designed to help pull a few ideas together. For example, paving to suit your garden, where to shop for plants and garden furniture. Which is the best area to site your patio. Perhaps you’d like help creating more privacy within your garden.
Planting design: A planting plan and detailed plant list package designed around your garden. The plants will be chosen to suit your site (soil type, sheltered or exposed, and weather). Along taking lifestyle requirements and likes into consideration. There is more information, including planting options on the bespoke planting designer service page.
Full Garden design service: The full service takes your garden from initial ideas to reality. Including masterplans, paving drawings, bespoke drawings from lighting plans to water features. Along with detailed planting plans and information. Every garden design service is tailored to each client’s specific needs.

Please feel free to have a look at the full range of services I offer and get in contact to discuss any questions you may have.

My story

Photograph of Camilla Grayley at Lowther Castle

I am a garden designer based in York, mainly working in and around Yorkshire. However, I have travelled up and down the UK to design gardens. I will happily travel, to help clients realise their dreams, particularly for an interesting project.

I love creating gardens with strong architectural outlines softened by voluminous planting. The spaces needs to ensure there is something to capture the eye whatever the season.

Gardens should always evoke all the senses from the colour palette on the eye. To the rustling of plants swaying in the wind and amazing perfumes to be inhaled. Whether on a summer’s evening or the depth of winter.

Background

Gardening has always been a passion, it is a space to switch off from the day. From taking my secateurs out, pulling a few weeds or wandering around plotting my next purchases. I love the thrill of watching how the garden comes to life. After making changes or renovating borders and seeing how it changes over the seasons.

The love of gardening started around aged two or three (there is a photo of me with the dog and trowel in hand). Pocket money was spent on plants and packets of seeds, to create displays in containers. The enjoyment carried on into school, where the only prize I ever won was for gardening.

Initially I studied Ecology and Environment Management at the University of York before going on to complete the RHS level 2 certificate in Horticulture.

Building on this I gained a Diploma (with merit) in Garden Design from the Inchbald School of Design.

Since then I have continued to create gardens of all sizes for clients.

Professional Organisations

Pre-Registered Member of the Society of Garden Designers
Member of the Association of Project Management (MAPM)
Member of the Chartered Management Institute (MCMI)

Values

Collaboration: I love designing gardens and helping clients enjoy their outside spaces. However it is your garden and I want you to enjoy it for years to come. It is really important to me that we work together. There will be time for you to provide input and feedback throughout the process.

Wildlife and ecological elements are also important considerations, thinking about plants that will encourage bees and butterflies. Something as simple as creating a ‘nectar bar’ whilst using a stunning palette of your favourite flower colours. Or just leaving a small gap in the fence to allow hedgehogs to travel between gardens.

Sustainability: The more we can do to reduce, reuse and recycle the better it is for the planet. I use nurseries where the plant pots can be returned and reused after planting is complete. Alternatively, if clients want to sow seeds or pot up cuttings, you are always very welcome to keep them. Any elements where the impact on the planet can be reduced, are always considered.

In the news

Winner: In 2025 I was awarded a silver gilt medal by the RHS for York Gin long border design at the Wentworth Woodhouse show. The border features botanicals and links to Yorkshire, from the roses (Dame Judi Dench and Harlow Carr) to the rhubarb pots.
Press articles: Previously I have written articles for Yorkshire Living magazine and contributed to Living North and The Yorkshire Post. Currently I write a monthly column for Handpicked Local, an e-magazine based in the Wetherby and Harrogate area.
Nest & Flourish Interiors: I was asked to talk about what home means and what inspires me. This is part of the Nest & Flourish Interiors ‘At home with’ series of blogs.
York Works: My business details are on the York Works site that promotes local businesses. If you are looking for a particular business (a house extension or interior design services, for example), there are lots of amazing companies on the website.