About
My journey in gardening, garden design and landscaping began over a decade ago, driven by a passion for creating beautiful, practical and natural-looking gardens. I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Garden Design from the British Academy of Garden Design and a degree in Fine Art from Plymouth University, allowing me to bring both practical experience and a creative approach to my work.
My Experience and Ethos
With years of hands-on experience in gardening, landscape development and garden design, I enjoy working with gardens in a way that combines good design with a more ecological approach.
I'm particularly interested in gardens that work with nature rather than constantly against it — incorporating wildlife-friendly planting, healthy soil, productive areas, naturalistic planting and spaces that can develop and change over time.
I don't believe an ecological garden has to look untidy, or that a beautiful garden has to be high-maintenance. Good design can bring the two together, creating gardens that are enjoyable, useful and full of life.
I work closely with my clients to understand how they want to use their garden, while considering the existing landscape, soil, wildlife and natural character of the site.
I’m particularly interested in gardens that develop over time, where maintenance, planting and design work together to create spaces that improve year after year.
Gardener And More...
I offer a range of gardening, design and garden development services, with an emphasis on planting, ecological gardening, sustainable landscaping styles, and long-term garden care.
Garden Design
I create bespoke garden designs that reflect how you want to use your space, while responding to the character of the site. From initial concepts and consultations through to more detailed designs and planting plans, I offer flexible options depending on what your garden needs.
Ecological Gardening & Maintenance
I provide practical, knowledgeable garden care throughout the seasons, with an emphasis on healthy soil, wildlife, naturalistic planting and working with the garden rather than constantly fighting it.
This might mean regular maintenance, seasonal work, pruning, planting, meadow management or simply helping an established garden develop in the right direction.
Planting Plans & Planting
Planting is at the heart of many of my projects. I can create planting schemes and help select and establish plants suited to the conditions of your garden, creating combinations that provide structure, colour and interest while supporting wildlife.
Garden Development & Landscaping
I also undertake smaller-scale garden development and landscaping work, from creating paths and planting areas to building simple structures and making practical improvements to existing gardens.
Where possible, I favour natural, durable and appropriately sourced materials, and aim to make hard landscaping feel like part of the garden rather than something imposed upon it.
Consultations & Expert Advice
Sometimes a garden doesn't need a complete redesign. A consultation can be a useful way to get practical advice on planting, maintenance, wildlife, layout or the next stage of development.
I can help you work out what to do now, what can wait, and how your garden could develop over the coming years.
Ongoing Support
Gardens are living things and rarely need everything doing at once. I enjoy working with clients over time, helping gardens evolve through planting, maintenance and gradual development.
My aim is to help create gardens that become better, more established and more self-sustaining as they mature.
My Goals
My aim is simple: to create and care for gardens that are beautiful, useful and better for nature.
Whether you need regular ecological garden maintenance, help transforming an existing space, a planting scheme or a complete garden design, I can help you make the most of your garden while working with its natural character.
Please explore the website and blog to find out more about my work and approach. If you'd like to discuss your garden, please get in touch at chewgardens@hotmail.com.
