Rooted in design, growing with purpose.
Designing a garden is a thoughtful, layered process. It takes time to understand the space, explore ideas and develop a design which feels right, both practically and emotionally. Our design services are organised into clear stages allowing you to move forward at a pace which suits you. Not every project requires every stage and we’ll always guide you on what’s appropriate for your garden.
How we work
From first conversation to flourishing garden.
Every successful garden begins with a clear process. Our approach is collaborative, transparent and carefully structured, guiding you from initial ideas through to long term care. Each stage builds on the last, ensuring your garden is both beautifully designed and expertly delivered.
Consultation
The process begins with an initial phone conversation to discuss your garden, your ideas and what you hope to achieve including an outline investment figure. This is an opportunity to ask questions, understand how the design process works and see whether we’re the right fit for one another.
If we decide to move forward, we can arrange a professional design appointment in your garden. This visit allows us to explore the space in more detail, see how it’s used, how it sits within its surroundings and to discuss your style, priorities and any practical considerations. Following this, we are able to prepare a detailed quotation for our design fees.
Survey
Once the paperwork is agreed, a professional survey can be arranged along with any other pre-design analysis required. This provides an accurate base plan and forms an essential foundation for the design work which follows.
Concept design plan
This is the main creative stage of the process. Guided by your brief and the analysis findings, we explore layout, flow and atmosphere, testing ideas and bringing them together into a coherent concept.
The concept design plan helps you visualise how your garden could look and feel, showing possible arrangements, materials and planting approaches in a looser, more exploratory way. It allows time for discussion and refinement before finalising the detailed decisions.
It is typically presented as a series of hand-drawn sketch plans and supporting images such as mood boards and 3D illustrations.
Master plan
The agreed concept is developed into a detailed master plan, which translates ideas into a practical, working document.
The master plan defines the garden layout with greater precision including hard landscaping choices (paving sizes, colours and suppliers), levels, named materials, key features, suggested lighting positions and the location of key trees and planting areas. It is provided as a scaled drawing suitable for use on site and can be used by professional contractors or yourselves to accurately set out and construct the garden.
Master plans also form a reference for pricing, scheduling and future maintenance. For larger, more complex projects, a separate written specification document can be produced.
Setting out/contractor plans and construction details
Where required, we can provide additional drawings and information to assist contractors during the build. These plans support accurate setting out and high quality workmanship and are used alongside contractor expertise and site conditions including lighting and conduit layouts.
Support through the construction phase
We can help to find the right, trusted contractors and craftsmen. Over many years, we have built a network of reliable professionals within the industry.
Planting plans
Planting is considered carefully, responding to your style as well as the garden’s structure, soil and aspect.
Planting plans are drawn to scale, showing all planting positions, spacing and quantities. They can be used to source, order, set out and plant the garden accurately, whether by ourselves, the client or other professionals involved in delivering the garden.
They also serve as a valuable reference for ongoing maintenance, supporting the gardener as the planting establishes and evolves over time.
Plant supply and planting
We offer a professional plant supply and planting service, working either from our own designs or in collaboration with landscape contractors and other garden designers.
Plants are carefully sourced, handled, and planted with long-term health in mind ensuring they establish well and perform as intended within the garden.
Garden Maintenance
A garden’s success depends on careful attention long after the design and planting are complete. When the gardener fully understands the design vision, the garden has the best chance to flourish and the designer’s ideas are realised.
Clear communication is key. The gardener should be part of the conversation from the start, ensuring everyone – client, designer, and contractor – is on the same page.
We offer tailored maintenance support, from advice and seasonal visits to full plans, helping your garden establish, thrive and evolve beautifully.
“Don't just take our word for it”
Just to thank you for your excellent service and efforts on behalf of our garden. It is already giving us so much pleasure and Peter who has never taken gardening seriously shows it off to everyone who visits.
“Best service ever”
The planting is now complete and is incredible… The design, choice and positions of plants were all spot on… Overall, I could not be happier with both gardens and the efforts put in by PlantSmith are to be admired. I felt I was the important one and time was not an issue, a satisfied customer was the goal and it was achieved.
“Delighted with the results”
“The quality of the plants supplied were excellent and we were impressed by the attention given to ensuring it was not wasted on the planting… We would have no hesitation in recommending The PlantSmith for your garden designs.”
“Inspired designs”
“Really inspired design by Wendy. It is like moving to a new home without actually having to.”
“Attention to detail”
“We highly recommend The PlantSmith. We completely remodelled our garden recently and Wendy’s knowledge, advice, choice of plants and trees was excellent. Her attention to detail, planting and aftercare has given us a garden to be proud of.”
