Services


My process is built around one simple belief: take the time to get the foundations right, and everything that follows will be better for it.

Illustration for Robert Avenell, designed by madebycross.com
Illustration for Robert Avenell, designed by madebycross.com
Close-up of grass and small plants with a ladybug on one of the plants in a natural outdoor setting.

The three steps to success


I ask every client to follow each stage of this process. A garden planted without a proper understanding of its soil is a garden built on guesswork. The time spent at the beginning is what makes the difference between something that looks good for a season and something that grows better every year.

Initial visit


Every project begins with a visit to your garden. We'll spend time together talking through your ideas, your aspirations, and any challenges the space presents. I'll share my first impressions and an outline of what's possible. This is an informal, unhurried conversation, the starting point for considered planting, not a sales pitch.

This isn't about general upkeep or routine maintenance. It's the first step in understanding your soil, your space, and what could genuinely thrive there.

Illustration for Robert Avenell, designed by madebycross.com
Hands planting small green seedlings into soil in garden bed.

Horticultural consultation


Paid in advance once you decide to proceed, this is the scientific foundation of your project. I'll carry out a thorough assessment of your soil, analysing pH and quality, identifying existing plants, mapping any invasive or difficult-to-eradicate weeds, and diagnosing any potential issues with pests or disease.

Understanding the fundamentals of your soil is what makes a flourishing garden possible, year after year. This stage ensures that everything that follows is grounded in evidence rather than assumption.

Implementation


With the consultation complete, I'll develop a bespoke plant list built around your soil, your aspect, your budget, and your preferred aesthetic. Seasonal interest runs through the whole scheme, so the garden has something to offer in every month of the year.

I then prepare the ground, introduce organic nutrients, plant, and neatly mulch each area to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Plants are sourced directly from trusted trade suppliers, which means you benefit from wholesale pricing rather than retail margins.

Once the work is complete, I provide a dedicated aftercare service to ensure your garden continues to thrive. The relationship doesn't end when I put down my tools.

Close-up of a dragonfly perched on a green leaf plant with blurred background.