Bespoke planting designer service and plant supply

Planting design and plans - York, Leeds, Harrogate, Yorkshire and the UK

It’s wonderful when the bones of a garden work. The patio is in the right place for a sunny morning coffee. The lawn is the perfect size for the kids to play football.

However is the planting doing it justice? Have the borders become overgrown? Or would like more of your favourite hues into the garden?

If this is the case, my bespoke planting designer service may be perfect for you.

Blank canvas or cherished masterpiece?

I can bring my decades of knowledge to any type of garden. It may be the house is a new build which only came with some paving and lawn.

Or you would like me to incorporate existing plants. My planting designs can cover any scenario.

Bespoke planting designer process

The Process

We have an initial chat and a wander round your garden. I use this site visit to discover:

  • how the garden will be used
  • quirks of the site – is it sheltered? Sat on heavy clay?
  • What colours you dislike and prefer
  • The time of day you use the garden most – for example at dusk, certain plants have an iridescent quality
  • How much time you can spend on maintenance and aftercare
Surveying garden in preparation for design

Surveying The Garden

The next stage is to survey the garden, meaning taking exact measurements. If it’s a fairly standard garden I can carry this out. However if there’s a lot of changes in level, a land surveyor is best placed to do this.

Elements recorded include:

  • The type of soil you have
  • The location of windows and doors so we make the most of your views
  • Noting access points
Example planting plan and plant list

Planning it all Out

Planting Plan

This shows any existing plants you wish to keep. As well as the suggested layout of the new plants, including how many will be needed.

Plant List

The accompanying plant list includes:

  • photos
  • a plant’s full name
  • eventual height and spread
  • times of year they are at their peak
  • special planting requirements
Discussing planting on site

Talking it Through

I will then walk you through the plan for your input. For example, maybe you would like to swap some of the perennials for a shrub? Or you would like a little more orange and little less purple?

Border full of scented shrubs and purple perennials

The Realisation

Once the updates are complete and you’re happy with the planting design, we will discuss planting the borders. The options are:

  • A plant list and a list of nurseries for you to take shopping
  • I source the plants for you
  • I plant up the plants for you
Plant suppliers

Planting supply secrets

My planting schemes are very specific. I won’t just list ‘blue geranium’. I’ll give you the full name of the plant, and where you can buy it from.

Sources include online nurseries as well as specialist growers.

Planting design full of purple flowers and foliage with a white highlight

Frequently asked questions

 

What areas do you cover?

I’m based in York, working across North Yorkshire and the UK. I’ve been as far north as Newcastle and as far south as Surrey. After our initial site visit, many future meetings can be done online.

We really need something that covers new building work such as steps and walls as well. Do you provide this?

Yes, I offer a full garden design service. A planting plan is incorporated within this.

What experience lies behind your bespoke planting designer service?

  • Ecology and Environment Management degree at the University of York
  • RHS level 2 certificate in Horticulture
  • Diploma (with merit) in Garden Design from the Inchbald School of Design https://www.inchbald.co.uk/
  • 10 years of working as a garden designer across Yorkshire and the UK

Find out more in About.