General Information

The Designer

I am Paul Collins and for more than 20 years, I have been  working in private practice, designing gardens and commercial landscaping schemes for a variety of clients. Having completed a three year Higher National Diploma (HND) in Amenity Horticulture at Writtle College I worked with a large nursery and landscaping company, based in Hampshire, for a couple of years before setting up my own design practice in 1984. 

I am a registered (full) member of the Society of Garden Designers and a member of the Institute of Horticulture.

Since 1984 I have worked on a wide variety of projects, including award winning show gardens at the Hampton Court Flower Show. For several years I worked with Your Garden and Amateur Gardening magazines to help provide a postal design service for their readers and have also provided designs for the Gardens Monthly's 'One Garden Two Answers' series. My book - Small Garden Design - was published by Quintet Publishing Ltd in 1989, with a later edition printed by Quantum Books Ltd in 1998. Photographs of 'my' gardens have been published in several magazines and books.

All the garden and landscape design projects, which I undertake, receive the same meticulous attention. Some gardens are tiny, others large - some covering several acres, but all have their own merits and problems and the aim is always to solve the problems while creating maximum effect and making the best possible use of the site. 

When it comes to your garden your wishes, as the client, are paramount.

The Area

Based in north London (UK) most commissions are in and around London, Hertfordshire, Essex and Buckinghamshire. Site visits can be arranged and layout and/or planting plans drawn up to suit the clients requirements, but always adding the essential element of flair that is necessary to create a fine garden.

Gardens from 'farther flung' areas of the UK can also be designed but the increased traveling time will have a bearing on costs. Fixed price initial visits can be arranged (local initial visits are free) and are a good way of seeing the site, meeting the clients and discussing the garden's possibilities. Where the cost of traveling time might be considered prohibitive, gardens can be designed by post.

The Cost

Fees are based on an hourly rate, currently £40.00 (sterling) per hour. However, at the first meeting any necessary drawings or further work can be quoted as a fixed fee, so that the client is aware of the costs before deciding whether or not to go ahead.

As mentioned above, fixed price initial visits are a good way of seeing the site and discussing ideas. An initial visit also gives the opportunity for you, the client, to meet me, the designer, and gain confidence that together we will be able to produce the right results - a garden to be proud of.

The Way Forward

First contact is normally by 'phone or email. I will be more than happy to talk you through the process and should be able to give you an idea on the cost of a visit straight away.

At the initial visit we would discuss the garden in detail, to ascertain how you use the area and what you want to achieve in it. We can discuss costs and work schedules so that you have all the information you need to decide if you want to proceed with the design work.

Every garden is different and client's requirements vary, but I can provide all the plans, planting details and any construction details that you need and can help with appointing a landscape contractor, monitoring the works and sourcing products as required - making sure that you get the garden you want.