Bristol Garden Design & Bespoke Planting Plans
Gardens built to thrive, rooted in nature
Garden Design & Planting Plans Bristol, Bath & Beyond
Good garden design starts with the planting. I focus on creating natural, wildlife friendly spaces that feel good to spend time in, look good year round, and suit the way you actually use your garden.
Growing up in Cornwall surrounded by plants and landscape work taught me early on that good design isn't about following trends, it's about understanding how a space changes through the seasons.
I bring that same thinking into every project, from small front gardens to full back garden redesigns.I hold an RHS Level 3 Horticultural Diploma and a Professional Garden Design Diploma from the Cotswold Garden School, graduating with Distinction.
Consultation
Every project starts with a conversation about what you're hoping for. From there, I'll send over a brief for you to fill in, followed by a site visit and design consultation, this can take up to a full day depending on the size of your garden, and is charged at £300.
That visit is where I get into the detail: your needs, your aspirations, how you actually want the garden to look and feel. Afterwards, I write up a full report covering everything we discussed, along with a fee proposal for the design work and a schedule of invoicing at each stage. A full design package starts at £1500.
Once you're happy to go ahead and a deposit is paid, I get started on the plan.
Once a master plan is signed off, it can be implemented in full or in stages. I work closely with trusted landscape contractors, suppliers and plant nurseries to make sure every project runs smoothly and on time.
Site Feasibility & Survey
It is always advisable to get a thorough topographical survey of the space you intend to develop. It is a crucial part of progressing the project to paper. This can be done by outsourcing to a surveyor or depending on the site size I can conduct it myself.
The initial site visit will highlight features that you would like to keep or remove and really get a feel for how you would like to use the space.
Garden Design Moodboards
Mood boards and visual aids enable me to develop your wish list into something tangible that I can then translate into the design.
Sometimes knowing what you don't want is just as useful to a designer as knowing what you do want. By producing moodboards I can ensure the aesthetic of your garden matches your aspirations. I
From gates or boundary fences to hard landscaping to planting there are a million options and lots of decisions to make. The concept stage is a iterative process and we welcome you to take an active role in developing it.
Garden Concept Drawings
Once we've agreed the direction from the moodboard, I draw up concept plans that show the overall shape, layout and feel of the garden. These are broadly to scale, so you can see how the space will actually work, where paths run, where planting sits, where you'll stand and sit.
At this stage, nothing is locked in. Material choices can still shift, and planting is shown in general terms rather than plant by plant. The concept drawing is there to test whether the layout feels right before we commit to the detail in the master plan.
Garden Design Master Plan
Whether you have a new build or a mature plot, we can discuss in detail what your specific needs, loves, dislikes and must-haves are for your garden, patio, or even balcony.
You could have the most amazing plants in your garden, but if the design lacks flow and function, then you simply won't get the best out of them.
I can provide concept drawings, advise on plant choices and planting plans.
Bespoke Planting Plans for Every Style
A planting plan is ideal if you want your garden to look professionally designed without a full structural overhaul.
Planting Plans will be quoted for separately and are not included in the Garden Design fees. Prices start from £250for a small border. We also offer a planting service, charged at my day rate, currently £270 per gardener.
Each plan includes:
-
A clear plant palette tailored to your garden
-
Colour-themed or mood-led planting combinations
-
Wildlife-supporting, pollinator-friendly options
-
Sun/shade mapping to ensure success
-
A list of plants with quantities and layout
-
Seasonal interest built into the design
Landscaping your Garden: Who we work with
Grocott Landscapes
Grocott Landscapes are a landscaping team who operate in Bristol. Matt & Pat have over a 20 years between them building gardens to high specifications. They are honest and reliable and take great pride in their work, with which they pay close attention to every detail.
They are approved Jackson Fencing installers, and cover all apsects of garden landscaping from driveways to complete re-designs to raised timber borders to building dog showers. If you need a detail in your garden, I will visualise it and Matt will build it.
Once the Master Plan is agreed, we send it out for tender and quote for the works. Matt and I have worked together on many projects, and we're always happy to put you in touch with past clients so you can see the standard of work for yourself.
Once the quote is agreed and a start date is set, Matt and I come on site and physically mark out the design, so you can see the vision taking shape in real space before anything is built. This stage often throws up new questions, and that's part of the process — we adapt, problem-solve, and work through the details together with you.
I design and plant gardens suited to the home they belong to. New builds often need structure from the ground up. Family gardens need to be durable enough for daily life, with year round interest. Larger plots give room for layered planting, while small or terraced gardens rely on clever design to make the most of every metre.
I work closely with trusted landscape contractors, suppliers and plant nurseries, so each project runs smoothly and to schedule.
Every design is wildlife friendly and low maintenance by default, built around your lifestyle, your soil, and the character of your property.
FAQ — Garden Design in Bristol & Surrounding Areas
Do you offer garden design for small gardens?
Yes — small and front gardens are a speciality and can make a huge impact.
Can you create low-maintenance or wildlife-friendly gardens?
Absolutely. Most clients request wildlife-focused, low-maintenance planting.
Do you design gardens outside Bristol?
Yes — I regularly work in Bath, Stroud, Caldicot and nearby locations.
Can you install the plants as well as design them?
Yes — I offer optional plant sourcing and full planting services.
Can you recommend a landscaper?
Yes we work closely with a landscaping firm - you can check them out here.
Thoughtful Garden Design Rooted in Nature
Your garden should be an extension of your home, somewhere to relax, invite wildlife in, and enjoy through every season. My designs consider:
-
How you live in and move through the space
-
Colour, texture and seasonal interest
-
Light levels, aspect and soil
-
Wildlife friendly and sustainable choices
-
Low maintenance options for busy households
I specialise in soft landscaping, planting plans and front garden transformations, creating gardens that feel considered and naturally balanced.
My Garden Design Process
If you are new to how the diesnging process works - Here’s a run down of how we work together:
-
Consultation – A friendly visit to understand your space, vision and lifestyle
-
Site Assessment – Soil, light, aspect and layout analysis
-
Concepts – Moodboards, ideas and planting inspiration
-
Garden Design Master Plan - all the details a landscaper needs to build your dream garden
-
Full Planting Plan – Detailed plant layout and quantity list, plant sourcing & planting up.
-
The Build - Landscapers, quotes & getting started