Our design approach
How we plan gardens that suit South Wales conditions, the way you live and the time you have.
Starting with the site
Before choosing a single plant, we look at what the garden gives us to work with.
Light and aspect
Which parts of the garden get morning sun, afternoon sun or very little. It decides where you'll want to sit and which plants will thrive.
Soil and drainage
Many valley gardens sit on heavy, damp ground; others are thin and stony. Plant choices start from what's actually in the ground.
Slopes and levels
Sloping plots are common around Aberdare. Levels shape where paths, lawns and seating can go comfortably.
Shelter and exposure
Wind, rain and frost pockets affect which plants establish well and where a sheltered seat makes sense.
Principles we design by
Good gardens rarely depend on one feature. They work because the layout, the planting and the details are planned together.
Structure first
A clear layout of lawn, planting and paths gives the garden shape in every season, even when little is in flower.
Planting in layers
Taller plants at the back, mid-height shrubs and perennials in the middle, low edging plants at the front, so borders look full and balanced.
Interest all year
Plants are chosen so something is happening in each season: spring bulbs, summer flowers, autumn colour and winter evergreens.
Upkeep you can manage
A design is only good if you can look after it. We talk honestly about how much time you have for the garden.
What a design can include
The exact contents depend on the service you choose, and are confirmed in your quotation.
Layout plans
Positions of lawn, planting areas, paths, seating and other features.
Planting schemes
Plants, colours and placement for beds, borders or the whole garden.
Lawn plans
Lawn shape and position, and how it fits the rest of the garden.
Zone planning
Seating, planting features and routes organised into a practical layout.
Design and garden work are kept separate
Every service on this site is marked as either a Design service or On-site garden work.
Design services give you the plan. On-site services are the physical work. Installation, materials, plants and specialist work are always quoted separately, so there are no surprises.
Talk about your garden
Not sure what your garden needs? A Garden Design Consultation is the place to start.
Garden Design Consultation