About Me
Raised in a family of professional musicians with a mother who loved gardening, I was immersed in both disciplines from an early age. I naturally gravitated toward music, studying it to degree level before embarking on a career as a classical recording producer.
When I retrained as a garden designer I was struck by the shared language between the two professions: ‘rhythm’, ‘balance’ and ‘harmony’ are important elements in both music and design, as is the combination of attention to detail with a feel for the artistic whole. It felt like a very natural transition.
I love meeting people and get genuinely excited at the prospect of being able to create a garden that will bring lasting pleasure. Gardening and just ‘being’ in the garden are increasingly seen as a form of green therapy, and my wish is that my clients draw just as much joy from their garden as I do.
How I Work
Every design begins with listening – understanding how you want to use your garden and how you’d like it to make you feel. I believe great gardens are both functional and restorative, blending structure with planting that evolves gracefully through the seasons.
A good design invites discovery; it encourages you to pause, to explore what lies beyond or around the corner. I aim to create gardens that have a natural rhythm – where everything feels as though it belongs, and the experience of moving through the space feels effortless.
Ultimately, I aim to design gardens that feel balanced, inviting and at ease within their surroundings.
What You Can Expect
Working closely with each client, I combine creativity with attention to detail to craft bespoke gardens that reflect individual character and lifestyle. My process is collaborative, transparent and enjoyable from start to finish.
What sets my work apart:
- Clear communication and guidance throughout every stage
- Designs that balance beauty with practicality
- Planting schemes tailored to soil, climate and maintenance preferences
- Thoughtful detailing and material selection suited to each site
- A calm, friendly approach that makes projects feel effortless
- Professional training and a genuine passion for great design
A well-considered design can help avoid costly mistakes, making the most of your budget through careful planning, informed choices and professional experience.
Client Testimonials
A few reflections from clients about their experience of working together and seeing their gardens take shape.
A gorgeous design for our garden
Rachel produced a gorgeous design for our garden that transformed an awkward, triangular plot into a delightful and beautifully proportioned space. She’s a lovely person to work with; she’s friendly, helpful and has a wonderful way of both listening and gently guiding when appropriate. Thank you, Rachel for all your thought and care as you’ve helped us towards fulfilling our dream of having a garden we’ll love. We really are very grateful.
Mrs G, Colchester
Amazing attention to detail
Rachel is an incredibly talented garden designer. She has such a wonderful eye for beauty and making the most of your garden space, as well as being very practical and grounded in reality. She is good company, and makes it all feel easy and light, so that I never felt at a disadvantage knowing very little about gardens. She tailored her conversation to my level of knowledge and gently took the weight off my shoulders when I felt uncertain. She has amazing attention to detail and keeps going until she has found exactly the right solution to offer you.
I absolutely wouldn't trust my garden with anyone else, and can't recommend Rachel highly enough.
Mrs S, Cambridge
Brilliant, imaginative ideas
I found Rachel very friendly and knowledgeable. She listened attentively to my needs, and came up with some brilliant, imaginative ideas to improve my garden. I was very pleased with the result - it was even better than I imagined. I would be very happy to recommend.
Mrs M, Norfolk
Client Testimonials
A few reflections from clients about their experience of working together and seeing their gardens take shape.
A gorgeous design for our garden
Rachel produced a gorgeous design for our garden that transformed an awkward, triangular plot into a delightful and beautifully proportioned space. She’s a lovely person to work with; she’s friendly, helpful and has a wonderful way of both listening and gently guiding when appropriate. Thank you, Rachel for all your thought and care as you’ve helped us towards fulfilling our dream of having a garden we’ll love. We really are very grateful.
Mrs G, Colchester
Amazing attention to detail
Rachel is an incredibly talented garden designer. She has such a wonderful eye for beauty and making the most of your garden space, as well as being very practical and grounded in reality. She is good company, and makes it all feel easy and light, so that I never felt at a disadvantage knowing very little about gardens. She tailored her conversation to my level of knowledge and gently took the weight off my shoulders when I felt uncertain. She has amazing attention to detail and keeps going until she has found exactly the right solution to offer you.
I absolutely wouldn't trust my garden with anyone else, and can't recommend Rachel highly enough.
Mrs S, Cambridge
Brilliant, imaginative ideas
I found Rachel very friendly and knowledgeable. She listened attentively to my needs, and came up with some brilliant, imaginative ideas to improve my garden. I was very pleased with the result - it was even better than I imagined. I would be very happy to recommend.
Mrs M, Norfolk
Sustainability
Living in the driest part of the country brings both challenges and opportunities. Choosing plants that thrive in our local climate, using water wisely, and selecting materials with care forms an important part of my approach. Sustainability guides every design decision – from sourcing and reusing materials to supporting local nurseries and craftspeople.
Designing with these principles in mind creates gardens that feel grounded in their surroundings and improve with time. A well-considered garden not only enhances daily life but also supports biodiversity, offering food and habitat for birds, bees and a rich array of wildlife.
By designing responsibly today, we create gardens that continue to flourish – beautiful, resilient spaces that age gracefully with the landscape around them.
Qualifications
-
Postgraduate Diploma in Residential Landscape Design (Distinction), Oxford College of Garden Design
- RHS Level 2 Diploma in Principles & Practices of Horticulture (Distinction), Writtle University College, Beth Chatto’s Garden
- Total of 8 years’ part- and full-time study in garden design and horticulture
Professional memberships
- Pre-registered Member of the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers (SGLD)
- Pre-accredited Designer Member of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL)
Insurance
- Full Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance