Planting Design

Perfect planting for your garden

Planting design (also known as soft landscaping), often overlooked, can be tricky for new and experienced gardeners alike. Planting design is key to the success of an overall design scheme, as it will add height, depth, structure, dynamism, style and energy to the garden.

From a single bed to a complete garden, any planting size considered.

My planting design service allows you to have beautiful planted borders in your garden. During an initial visit to you; to find out about you, your garden, lifestyle and the colours and style of planting that you like - I record aspects and conditions, check the soil and take the dimensions of your planting areas so that I can create a bespoke planting scheme that works for you and your garden.

 As well as planting design, plant supply and installation, I provide detailed information about the plants and advice on caring for the new plants in your garden.

Project Gallery

Each plant variety has a unique form, leaf or bark texture, leaf, flower and fruit colour, plant form, and other characteristics. The art of planting design is a joyful combination of these plant qualities and how well plants complement each other.

Plants are the part of the garden that brings it to life and provide seasonal colour along with structure, textures and maybe a particular feeling.

Each garden is unique, and every planting design is individually tailored to suit the aspect, soil, location and architecture at the site.

Planting should reflect your tastes and by incorporating them into a scheme you will have a garden that develops and matures satisfyingly over many years. 

Using my horticultural knowledge and care I ensure the best plants are selected from trusted nurseries in the UK.

Each project is individually tailored to meet the budget and expectations of the client.

Biosecurity is at the forefront of March Hare plant sourcing, and we keep up to date on all matters regarding pests and diseases.

Planting Plans - To ensure that you can visualise the scheme or concept of the planting design, I produce 2D planting plans noting plant species, location and quantities, plus background support documentation and planting boards.

I can create everything from flower bed designs to commercial landscape design schemes.

Planting Design - What’s Included?

  • Lisa Hardinge

    Initial Meeting – It starts with a chat

    This is a chance to meet you on site and discuss your requirements, aspirations, budget, and lifestyle.

    During our first meeting, we'll explore your vision for your garden — considering your likes and dislikes, along with your plans for the outdoor space. We’ll discuss your garden ideas, identify any limitations, and outline what you can expect throughout the process.

    This discussion is essential to inform the direction of the design, allowing us to tailor it specifically to your needs. It will also help us highlight any constraints, opportunities, and practicalities that may arise in bringing your garden to life.

  • Site survey & Garden Analysis

    To understand your garden (and what’s possible), we need a detailed site survey & garden analysis.

    Checking site conditions including; aspects, soil pH, soil texture. Identifying and marking up existing plants and trees. Noting beds and borders sizes.

  • Planting Design

    Planting Design & Plan

    I research plants and consider availability, aspect, exposure, soil, flowering season, maintenance. 

    Taking a holistic view of how all the plants come together to create the perfect look and feel for your garden.

    The planting plan/s will show each individual plant and its location on a drawing. This is formed for a guide only and to provide a visual relating to the number of plants needed to occupy the space – the plants will be carefully curated on site. It will also include a plant schedule.

  • Planting Services

    Sourcing and procuring plants from trusted & bio-secure trade nurseries.

    Setting out plants, ensuring plants are correctly placed & spaced with the planting plan(s) as a basis.

    Planting or overseeing third party to complete the planting.

    Maintenance plan provided to help you to keep your garden looking fantastic!