4 Steps to the Perfect Garden:

The Initial Consultation:

- we meet with you to discuss possible design concepts

- survey & measure the area

- take “Before” photographs

- come up with some initial ideas.

The Design Stage:

- scale drawing in full colour, computer design

- any construction detail as required

- planting list to ensure year-round colour & interest in your garden.

Presentation & Explanation:

- Once the plans are ready, I will come back to you to explain the design & discuss planting combinations, features, landscaping materials, etc.

The Construction Stage:

- you may wish to carry out the work yourself.  Alternatively, we can oversee the project to completion.  We also do planting and maintenance, if the existing layout of the garden is ok, but it just needs a revamp.

If you are fed up adding to the profits of the multi-national supermarket chains, why not opt out and become more self-sufficient ? 

Contrary to the general opinion that you must have acres of land, you can grow your own salad leaves, even on the balcony of an apartment.  And you don't have to turn your whole back garden into a pig sty like Tom & Barbara in the Good Life (unless you want to !).  It is still possible to have a good area of garden for your family to enjoy whilst still being able to create an area to grow your own for most of the year.

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"Following major refurbishment of the grounds and construction of new classrooms, we were left with a dilemma.  The quad which had been paved 20 years ago now looked shabby compared with the pristine new areas of the college.  We realised that we would like it to be transformed before the official opening night of the new classroom blocks. Despite the last minute rush, Vanessa Drew was able to visit the site, measure and specify plants and paving.  Vanessa was also able to recommend a paving contractor who pulled out all the stops and did a fantastic job in such a short space of time.  The planting was also tired and unsuitable for the area, so Vanessa recommended new plants to ensure year-round colour and interest.  These have now been planted and the transformation is superb.  It is now easy on the eye, and more importantly, easier to maintain."  Father Brown, St Colmans College.

I was delighted to be given the task of designing and constructing the Friends Community Garden in Cushendall, on behalf of the BBC's Greenmount Garden television programme.  Assisted by local residents, the project took shape over a few weeks, culminating in 3 days final filming for the programme.