About
Design is very much a part of me and what I do. I have been creating and working with clients for over 20 years, carefully listening to briefs and providing successful solutions. I take a lot of pride in what I deliver and hope that it shows in what is produced.
I started my working life in Graphics, moving into Product Design, Art Direction and Exhibition Graphics. All of that design background was fundamental in my decision to change career to Garden Design.
I have always had a deep appreciation for what I like to call the 'Outdoor Room', because for me a garden should feel connected to the home. It's a space that can behave according to the wants and needs of the property owner.
I retrained at 'The Garden Design School' in the historic grounds of Painshill Park - Surrey. The School is run by Internationally-known and practicing garden designer Robin Templar Williams.
Achieving a distinction, I went on to set up my Garden Design business in 2010 and have not looked back since. I now practice in the heart of Somerset, along side the wonderful Mendips, currently producing designs for clients in Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and in my own South West region covering areas like Chew Valley, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol, Clevedon, Cheddar and many more.
What my clients have to say....
Blackford - Somerset
We have used Phil on several occassions to design elements of our garden such as the large patio, hedging, vegetable planters and tree selection. Phil's service level was excellent and he provided friendly helpful advice, quality designs and sourcing options. His ability to provide a turn key solution (from concept to sourcing to installation) made our life easy as working with living things is harder than bricks and mortar.
Mr & Mrs Newton
Central Bristol
"I am just writing to say how pleased my wife and I are with the superb garden that you have helped to create, we are both over the moon! My neighbour is also in awe and is now going to do something with her garden! I hope you are pleased as well with the result. Ian and his team were just fantastic and thank you so much for recommending them, they were faultless!"
Mr & Mrs Killen
Bristol
Badgworth - Somerset
South West London
Phil helped us with the design and build of our SW London garden. He developed the detailed design, built the planting plan and oversaw the build process. All the way through, Phil was simply fantastic! We loved his friendly, open, flexible and professional approach, and the fact that he worked with us to develop the design, rather than imposing a design on us that he wanted (got the impression some of the other designers would have done this if we had gone with them). Best of all, Phil has a real talent for design, seeing things that we didn't see and coming up with ideas that we had never thought of. Our garden has really come into its own in the last couple of years and has been a much needed sanctuary during the pandemic. Very highly recommended!
Mr & Mrs Barnes
Wells - Bath & Somerset
The garden design service that Phil provides is so special because of his ability to convert unformed ideas into stunning, unique plans. In our case this has transformed an unlovely area of grass and an unwanted swimming pool on the side of a hill into an amazing, ultra-low maintenance garden for us to enjoy whilst growing old gracefully.
Careful assessment of the location and orientation of the garden in addition to reviewing the sight lines from inside and outside the house allowed Phil to create a garden combining seating areas, distant views and a delightful water feature. Plants were chosen after discussion regarding personal preferences (white, scented), roles the plants would play (providing privacy, autumnal colour) and included old favourite as well as new specimens, all in lovely condition. But perhaps the most important reason to recommend Phil without reservation is because working with him has been an absolute pleasure - he is knowledgable, totally flexible and happy to adapt as creation of the garden progressed and we wanted additional features. Changing your mind will not be a problem, although I doubt that you will want or need to.
Mr & Mrs Bannon
We were recommended to Phil for his flair for creative design and his knowledge and experience about plants. He certainly didn’t let us down taking time to get to know us, our house and garden, and what each member of the family wanted from the garden. The key to the project was how our new extension linked to the garden.
He came up with a great design and really took time to listen to our feedback, before producing something we were comfortable with. I personally found it really difficult to visualize, but trusted Phil’s judgement and was very glad we did. He was also on hand to come to site and advise during the landscaping and planting which was invaluable
The garden is fantastic and not only looks stunning but the link between the garden and house is seamless. The garden flows from one area to the next. It just works for the whole family.
It’s my turn to now recommend Phil to others. Thanks for all your efforts…and patience. You’ve done a fantastic job and been an absolute pleasure to work with you.
Jason & Emma