Bespoke Garden Designer – Who I Work With

As a bespoke garden designer, I specialise in landscape drawings for planning approval, as well as commissions for private clients. However, I rarely work alone.

Obviously, residential customers can, and sometimes do retain me on a design-only basis. I have an excellent understanding of plants, trees and garden renovation techniques. Then, it is over to the homeowners, who are happy to oversee the installation process themselves.

However, most clients, whether professional (architects and planners) or private individuals rely on Elemental Designs to project-manage the sourcing and “logistics” processes of the commission.

And it works well.

Working with the Garden Experts

By and large, being successful in this specialist area of design requires a broad understanding of several subject areas. Do I know everything? No, I do not.

To offer first-class results, I work closely with several horticultural specialists. Their knowledge greatly outweighs mine in their chosen field. As people say, every day’s a school day. After each project completion, I always take away new knowledge and valuable tips.

Here is a summary of the expertise at your disposal via Elemental Designs.

Hardy’s Plants www.hardysplants.co.uk

With 24 consecutive RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medals, Rosy Hardy is one of the UK’s most prestigious and respected hardy perennial specialists.

Working with her and Rob Hardy on their show garden displays at Hampton Court and Chelsea flower show over the last 18 years has been an absolute joy. Everything I know about perennials is down to Rosy. When I have the opportunity to create and deliver large perennial borders to rival any RHS garden, I will usually turn to Rosy and her expertise which is unrivalled.

Jekka’s Herbs www.jekkasherbfarm.com

Would you like a herb garden? Excellent. Arguably, you are part of a national historic tradition. Our country has a long-established history of growing and using herbs dating back several centuries.

Not only are herbs wonderfully fragrant, but they also add subtle flavours to your cooking. And they are beautiful to look at. What Jekka McVicar does not know about herbs simply is not worth knowing. From her nursery in Somerset, Jekka will advise you on the best choice of standard, or rare and unusual herbs to complement your garden.

Barcham’s Trees www.barcham.co.uk

Without a doubt, trees add colour and beauty. They are an essential part of our eco system. But perfection cannot be rushed. They must be cared for and nurtured for at least two years in order to thrive on their own, with an established root system, that can feed and water the tree independently.

When faced with the need to plant over 100 semi mature trees for one project, I turned to Barcham’s who worked closely with myself and the client not only to deliver, but also recommend an experienced tree planting contractor and following planting, offered a two year monthly seasonal visit to check on the health of all newly planted trees. As an experienced garden designer, I have learnt that to deliver a successful project is about teamwork and collaboration with the right partners.

 

English Woodlands  www. ewburrownursery.co.uk

The quality of plants from English Woodlands is outstanding. This company takes seriously the ever-present issue of plant health. Moreover, with careful sourcing they know how to avoid serious plant diseases from taking hold in the UK.

Any plants sourced from English Woodlands are guaranteed to be disease-free. Good news and one less thing to worry about.