J and L – November 2023, Beeston, Nottingham
One of the main things that attracted us to the house when we bought it was the lovely enclosed garden with a relatively new summer house. Over the years that followed the trees grew far too big for the space and had to be taken out or replaced. We replanted in a fairly haphazard way which often ended up with straggly planting and the “wrong plant in the wrong place”. The patio was on the small side especially when entertaining and all the seating areas were in full sun in the heat of the day.
We knew we needed some help with the garden redesign and Heather was recommended by a friend. A visit was arranged at a convenient time and Heather came to talk to us about what we wanted. We felt she took time to really listen and understand how we wanted to use the garden.
The design had to be modified due to the increase in building costs, but Heather was happy to help with this and we are really happy with the final result. She managed to find an excellent contractor when we were struggling to find one. The new hard landscaping has been a game changer! We have been able to use different seating areas in the garden over the summer and see different views and angles.
The planting of new beds has recently been completed to Heather’s design and we can’t wait to see how it develops over the next year and beyond. We now have a garden with “the right plants in the right place”!
We can highly recommend Heather’s garden design services.
Chris and Nikki – March 2023, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire
New build eco-house
“In wanting to design and build a new home and garden in an environmentally sustainable way, we approached Heather at an early stage of planning. Her commitment to design, and recognition of the importance of sustainability, were important to us, and having seen some of the gardens she has created we felt we could trust her judgement. In some ways having a “blank canvas” is more difficult than adapting an existing garden, so we needed advice.
We could not have anticipated how lengthy and frustrating the process of applying for planning permission would be, because we want to build something different to a standard house and garden. Heather has been immensely understanding and patient, and has worked collaboratively with our architect to produce a 3D visual and planting plan for the front of the new house. It was essential to have the input of a professional garden designer in this regard, and for submission to the planning department in order to get planning approval.
The process has been complex, involving the architect and builder, as well as our own suggestions, but Heather produced a very detailed planting plan and design which really helped us to envisage what our future garden might look like. Despite all the delays to getting started, Heather has been patient and supportive, and we looking forward to designing the interior courtyard garden with her next!”
Alison – October 2022, Beeston, Nottingham
Contemporary new-build garden
Heather visited us and discussed our requirements. We wanted a bigger more social terrace, a water feature, no lawn, low maintenance planting and easy access to the studio room and storage area at the end of the plot. Heather made copious notes, measurements etc and came back to us with a detailed design and planting scheme. She then ‘talked’ us through the design, explained all of the elements and had such a clear vision and enthusiasm for how the garden could be that it really brought it to life for us.
In our previous house we had used Stephen Morris Landscapes and asked him to do the hard landscaping. Heather met him on site and they worked together to finalise the details. Steve started work in August 2022 and the garden was ready for planting by October. We are delighted with the garden and it has absolutely fulfilled the brief. Heather’s imaginative design and clear vision coupled with Steve’s skilful build have resulted in a beautiful garden.
Heather sourced all of the plants and trees, took delivery and planted the garden up. She was happy for me to ‘help’ but in reality it was more of a masterclass and I learnt so much and benefitted from her expertise and experience. We sat together for a well earned cuppa and I realised how perfectly she had placed the bench we were sitting on to catch the late afternoon sun! I now have a detailed plant care plan and the reassurance that Heather is happy to help with advice and practical help should I need it in the future. The whole process has been extremely positive and I cannot recommend Heather highly enough. A 10/10 experience!”
