Garden design

The average garden in this country is a strange Frankenstein's monster that has been loosely stitched together with cuttings and discarded plants from friends and relatives with borders that are too narrow (either straight or intricately wiggly) with too much lawn and too little imagination.  This is true.  Believe me, I've seen too many.

This is a shame because ALL gardens have the potential to look terrific.  All it takes to achieve this is some thought and research and it is this process of thought and research that I would describe as designing a garden.  With garden design, like everything  from changing a plug on an appliance to installing a kitchen to building a house,  there is always the choice between doing the job yourself or getting someone in to do it professionally, and it always boils down to two basic issues.

• Do I have the skills to do it myself ?
• Do I have the time to do it myself ?

If the answer to either of these questions is 'no', then you should consider getting professional help if you want your garden to reach it's potential.

Client's garden in Richmond, just after planting.

Stamp collecting or art ?

Another point to consider, and one that I have frequently encountered with exoticists in particular, there are many who spend a small fortune and most of their leisure time avidly collecting and growing rare plants to perfection but are these plants really being done the justice they deserve in the way they are arranged and displayed within the garden ?   Is that investment really being maximised ?   Does the 'Wow' factor have a capital W ?

Panorama view of large pond and rock feature in Client's garden, Downham nr. Stock, Essex.

So what exactly is involved in having a garden designed ?  Why does it cost more than having a kitchen designed ?  These are two questions I am asked.

Stage one is the initial contact, where you want to know how much it is going to cost and what I can do.  I want to know if you are serious and have realistic expectations; also whether you want a personal consultation or if you wish to take advantage of the postal design service.  This can be done over the phone, or if local I prefer to visit so I can show you examples of previous work.  I am prepared to travel further afield to do this, but have to charge a small amount to cover my costs which is deducted from the final bill should we go ahead.

About me

A very brief CV.  I am a 47yr old former police sergeant (a long story...): my passionate love affair with exotic plants started some 20yrs ago and, frankly, has only got worse.  I have been professionally designing gardens as Oasis Designs for 10 yrs, engaged in varied projects from a 3m x 15m back garden to an ongoing development of 10 acres .   I studied for a Diploma in Garden Design at Writtle College in 1994/5, passing with distinction and, through the college, was given the rare opportunity to design and show a small courtyard garden at the 1996 Chelsea Flower Show for which we were awarded a Bronze Medal.  I also hold the RHS General Certificate in Horticulture.  

I specialise in Subtropical and Japanese gardens, but undertake worthwhile projects in any style or situation.

Before (left) and after (right) view of Client's small garden in Horndon-on -the-Hill, Essex

For more information, please contact me by Email ,or  telephone on 01268 757666 or write to me at :

Oasis, 42 Greenwood Avenue, South Benfleet, Essex, SS7 1LD.

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