Book planting consultancy.

For UK homeowners, this service bridges the gap between basic gardening and full-scale landscape architecture. By investing in professional advice, you avoid the "trial and error" costs of replacing plants that fail to survive in the wrong conditions.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Site Survey & Analysis: Assessing the garden's aspect (north/south facing), wind exposure, and existing microclimates.
• Soil Testing: Analysing pH levels, texture (clay, sand, loam), and drainage capacity to determine which species will flourish.
• Planting Strategy: Creating a detailed plan that considers seasonal interest, colour palettes, and growth habits.
• Sourcing & Procurement: Identifying high-quality specimens from trade nurseries that offer better value and health than retail outlets.
• Implementation Oversight: Supervising the actual planting to ensure correct depth, spacing, and soil conditioning.
• Maintenance Schedules: Providing a bespoke "aftercare" guide tailored to your specific plants and lifestyle.

Typical Costs

The cost of planting consultancy varies significantly based on the size of the garden and whether you require a simple verbal consultation or a full technical drawing. Prices below include VAT at 20%.

Factors such as your location (London and the South East typically command higher rates) and the complexity of the terrain will influence the final quote. Most consultants offer tiered packages to suit different budgets.

How Long Does It Take?

• Initial Site Visit: 1 to 3 hours depending on garden size.
• Design & Plan Production: 7 to 14 days for the consultant to produce scaled drawings and plant lists.
• Plant Sourcing: 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the rarity of species and nursery lead times.
• Planting Supervision: 1 to 5 days, depending on the volume of plants and soil preparation required.

DIY or Professional?

While any homeowner can plant a shrub, a professional consultant understands the long-term "architecture" of a garden. They prevent the common mistake of overcrowding, which leads to stunted growth and disease. If you are investing thousands in new specimens, professional guidance is essential to protect that investment. Professionals also have access to trade nurseries, often securing larger or more unusual specimens not found in retail stores.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

In the UK, anyone can call themselves a garden consultant, so it is vital to check their credentials and experience.

• Qualifications: Look for RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Level 3 or above, or degrees in Horticulture or Garden Design.
• Memberships: Check if they belong to the Society of Garden Designers (SGD) or the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL).
• Portfolio: Ask to see photos of gardens they designed 3–5 years ago, not just newly planted ones, to see how the plants matured.

Top Tip: Always ask if the consultant receives a commission from nurseries. Transparent consultants will usually pass trade discounts directly to you or charge a flat procurement fee.

UK Regulations

• Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs): Consultants must check if any existing trees are protected before suggesting removals or major pruning.
• Wildlife Protection: Work must comply with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, particularly regarding nesting birds during hedge or tree work.
• Peat-Free Requirements: Professional consultants should adhere to UK sustainability goals by using peat-free compost and ethically sourced materials.
• Biosecurity: Ensure your consultant follows APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) guidelines to prevent the spread of pests like Box Blight or Ash Dieback.

Common Problems

• "Right Plant, Wrong Place": Planting sun-lovers in deep shade or moisture-seekers in dry soil is the most common cause of plant death.
• Ignoring Soil Structure: Planting directly into compacted builder’s rubble or heavy clay without proper conditioning.
• Poor Drainage: Failing to address "wet feet" which rots the roots of most ornamental garden plants.
• Inadequate Aftercare: Assuming "low maintenance" means "no maintenance"—all new plants require specific watering regimes for the first 12-18 months.

Frequently Asked Questions