Planting & Consultation

Planting Recommendations

Expert plant selection guidance tailored to your garden's specific conditions

You know what you want your garden to look like. You understand the space, the aspect, and the atmosphere you're trying to create. What you need is expert guidance on which plants will genuinely thrive in your specific conditions and deliver the results you're imagining.

That's exactly what our Planting Recommendations service provides - a personalised list of plants carefully selected for your garden, delivered as a comprehensive PDF guide.

Expert Plant Selection for Your Garden

Our Planting Recommendations service provides a one-off, personalised list of plants specifically chosen for your garden's unique conditions. It is designed for garden owners who intend to make their own implementation decisions.

We assess your site conditions, understand your vision and aesthetic preferences, and provide a curated selection of plants suited to your soil type, aspect, and desired look. You receive a detailed PDF document containing your recommendations, complete with practical information about each plant to help you make confident choices.

Your Personalised Plant Recommendations Document

Initial Site Assessment

What we do:

  • Site photography and detailed documentation
  • Soil analysis (pH testing included; nutrient testing available at additional cost)
  • Aspect evaluation (sun, shade, wind exposure)
  • Site conditions assessment (drainage, moisture, existing features)
Why it matters: Understanding your garden's unique conditions is essential for making plant choices that will thrive rather than merely survive.

Consultation

What we do:

  • Up to one hour in-person consultation
  • Discussion of your vision, aesthetic preferences, and any specific requirements
  • Exploration of your garden style and desired atmosphere
  • Clarification of practical considerations (maintenance levels, wildlife-friendly options, seasonal interest, etc.)
Why it matters: Your preferences matter. We listen carefully to understand not just what you want, but why you want it.

Personalised PDF Recommendations Document

What we do:

  • Professional PDF document featuring your personalised plant recommendations
  • Plants organized by category (trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs, grasses, etc.)
  • For each plant: description, height and spread, flower colour, flowering time, and practical information
  • Design notes explaining the planting philosophy and key principles for your scheme
  • Practical guidance on planting and spacing
Why it matters: You receive expert recommendations grounded in horticultural knowledge, presented in an easy-to-reference format you can use when sourcing and planting.

Is This Service Right for You?

Ideal for:

  • Garden owners who understand their garden's conditions and want expert guidance on plant selection
  • Those with a clear vision for a space who need professional advice on which plants will work
  • Anyone seeking personalised plant recommendations without the complexity of a full design scheme
  • Garden owners wanting to refresh borders with the right plant selection
  • Those who prefer a focused, cost-effective service that delivers practical plant guidance

Not suitable for:

  • Borders that require complete redesign or reimagining
  • Gardens where you're unsure about the overall layout or concept
  • Situations where you need help creating cohesion across multiple borders or developing a comprehensive design scheme
If you want a one-off personalised list of suitable plants and plan to implement the ideas independently, Planting Recommendations is likely to be the right service. If you would like expert guidance as the garden develops, optional planting support and seasonal review across a full year, explore Garden-Led Development.

Transparent Pricing for Plant Selection Guidance

In-Person Service

£150 - £325

Our in-person Planting Recommendations service costs £150-£325. This includes a site visit for assessment and consultation, soil analysis (pH testing included; nutrient testing available at additional cost), and your personalised PDF recommendations document. The price varies depending on garden size and complexity, site conditions, and distance from our base in Crewe.

Fully Remote Service

Approximately half the cost

If you're outside our service area or prefer a fully remote approach, we offer a remote version at approximately half the cost. You provide photographs of your garden, details of your soil conditions (pH, aspect, drainage), and your aesthetic preferences. We create and send you the personalised PDF recommendations document. This is an ideal option for those seeking expert plant guidance without the cost of a site visit.

All prices are indicative and may vary based on specific site conditions and requirements.

How We Work With You

In-Person Service

1

Step 1: Site Visit and Consultation

We visit your garden to assess site conditions, take photographs, conduct soil analysis, and evaluate aspect and exposure. During the same visit, we meet with you to discuss your vision, aesthetic preferences, garden style, and any specific requirements. This typically takes 1-1.5 hours. We document everything carefully to ensure our recommendations are grounded in a thorough understanding of your space and your aspirations.

2

Step 2: Recommendations Development

We create your personalised PDF document featuring carefully selected plant recommendations. Each plant is chosen because it will thrive in your specific conditions and align with your vision. The document includes practical information to help you source and plant with confidence.

3

Step 3: You Implement

You use our recommendations to source and plant your garden. We're always happy to answer follow-up questions as you implement the scheme.

Fully Remote Service

1

Step 1: Information Gathering

You provide photographs of your garden, details of your soil conditions (pH, aspect, drainage, moisture levels), and information about your aesthetic preferences and vision for the space.

2

Step 2: Recommendations Development

We create your personalised PDF document based on the information you've provided. Each plant is selected to thrive in your specific conditions and align with your vision.

3

Step 3: You Implement

We send you the recommendations document and are happy to answer follow-up questions as you implement the scheme.

Site visits are conducted during daylight hours, typically Monday to Friday. We operate year-round, though autumn and winter are ideal times for planning spring planting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert Horticultural Guidance, Not Just Plant Lists

Our approach to plant recommendations is rooted in horticultural expertise, not merely aesthetic preference. We understand plant behaviour, soil conditions, seasonal rhythms, and the long-term development of garden spaces. Every recommendation we make is grounded in practical knowledge and a commitment to your garden's success.

We don't simply recommend plants we like - we recommend plants that will genuinely thrive in your garden and deliver the results you're imagining. Our recommendations are personalised to your specific conditions and preferences, ensuring every plant we suggest is the right choice for your garden.

Ready to get expert guidance on your plant selection?

Not sure if Planting Recommendations is right for you?

Looking for something different?

Garden-Led Development

Phased expert guidance for a new or developing planted garden, including optional planting support and four seasonal reviews.