FAQs

Both, really. We design gardens and we manage the build through our network of contractors. You can commission design only if you want to work with your own landscaper, or landscaping only if you've already got plans. Most London clients choose the full package because it means one team taking responsibility from start to finish.

Yes — we carry full professional indemnity and public liability insurance for all design and landscaping work. Our contractor partners are also fully insured and vetted. For planting, we offer a 12-month establishment guarantee when we handle ongoing maintenance — if plants fail to thrive despite proper care, we replace them. Hard landscaping comes with workmanship guarantees from our contractors, typically 2-5 years depending on the element. We're happy to discuss specifics during your consultation.

Absolutely, and we actively encourage this approach for larger properties. We design the complete vision upfront so everything works together, then prioritise construction in stages that suit your budget and lifestyle.

Common phasing strategies: the first phase might tackle the terrace and areas nearest the house. A few months later you could add the kitchen garden or main borders. Later phases might address further areas like meadow planting or woodland edges.

This approach spreads cost, lets you live with each phase before committing to the next, and actually benefits planting as earlier areas mature while you develop others. Our design package includes a suggested phasing plan tailored to your situation.

Absolutely — many of our clients choose to phase their garden transformation to manage budgets. We design the complete vision upfront, then prioritise which elements to build first.

Common approaches include: completing hard landscaping initially and adding planting a few months later, or transforming the main garden first and tackling front gardens afterwards. Some clients spread work over a single season, others over a couple of years — it depends entirely on your circumstances.

Our design package gives you a comprehensive plan that can be implemented in whatever stages work for you and your budget.

Absolutely — we're proud of the feedback we receive. You'll find client testimonials throughout our project portfolio, and we're happy to provide references for similar projects on request. We also have reviews on Google and Houzz. During your consultation, we can share case studies of gardens similar to yours, including before-and-after photos and client feedback. Seeing how we've solved challenges like yours is often the best way to understand our approach.

Victorian terrace gardens are our speciality — we've transformed dozens across East London, North London, and throughout the capital. These long, narrow plots need careful planning to avoid the 'corridor' effect. Our designs create distinct zones, use clever planting to add width, and balance hard landscaping with greenery. We also specialise in Victorian front garden restoration, bringing period charm back to tired entrances with appropriate materials and planting.

Absolutely — we design for real family life, dogs included. Key considerations include: durable lawn areas or artificial grass for high-traffic zones, secure boundaries without gaps, non-toxic planting (no yew, laburnum, or lily of the valley), and designated toilet areas with easy-clean surfaces. We also think about mud management — strategic paving near doors prevents the worst of it reaching your kitchen. Many of our family garden designs accommodate dogs beautifully without compromising on style. Tell us about your pets during the consultation and we'll plan accordingly.

Absolutely — contemporary design is one of our strengths. Clean lines, architectural planting, quality materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. We use techniques like floating benches, cantilevered steps, Corten steel planters, and restrained plant palettes to create calm, sophisticated spaces. Contemporary doesn't mean sterile — our designs balance hard landscaping with soft, biodiverse planting that brings life and movement. Many of our London courtyard projects and entertaining spaces take a contemporary approach that suits modern architecture and lifestyle.

Absolutely — cottage garden style suits many Somerset properties perfectly. Our approach balances the romantic abundance of traditional cottage planting with practical structure that keeps things manageable. We select plants that thrive in Somerset's conditions, create framework with evergreen hedging and paths, and design schemes that offer interest through all seasons. A cottage garden can look effortlessly natural while being thoughtfully designed for long-term success.

Yes — new builds present specific challenges we know well. Typically: compacted subsoil, poor drainage, no existing features, and blank-canvas overwhelm. The good news is you're starting fresh with no inherited problems. We design gardens that establish quickly, add instant maturity with semi-mature planting where budget allows, and create structure that makes the space feel intentional rather than developer-standard. Our design process addresses drainage and soil improvement from the start. Many new build gardens benefit from phasing — getting the bones right in year one, then adding planting as budget allows.

Yes, we cover South London extensively, including Dulwich, Peckham, Brixton, Clapham, Balham, Crystal Palace, and surrounding areas. South London offers wonderful variety — from Victorian terraces to larger suburban plots — and we tailor our garden designs accordingly. Many South London gardens have excellent potential but need professional design to unlock it. We create outdoor living spaces that work for modern family life while respecting the character of period properties.

Yes — poor drainage is one of the most common garden problems we address, particularly in London's clay soils and Somerset's low-lying areas. Solutions range from permeable paving and French drains to regrading and soakaway installation. Our site survey identifies drainage issues and our build process implements appropriate fixes. Good drainage is fundamental — we address it before any decorative work begins.

Absolutely. Not every garden needs a complete redesign. We're experienced at working with established trees, existing structures, and features you want to keep — mature planting is valuable and we'd rather work with it than rip it out. Our garden design service begins with a thorough site survey where we document all existing elements. Often the best approach is to enhance what's already working while addressing the areas that aren't, creating a cohesive outdoor living space that respects your garden's history.

Absolutely. Not every garden needs a complete redesign. We're experienced at working with established trees, existing stone walls, period features, and planting you want to keep. Often the best approach is to enhance what's already working while addressing the areas that aren't. Our garden design service includes a thorough site survey where we document everything worth preserving. Somerset's gardens often have wonderful mature specimens and traditional features that deserve to be celebrated in a thoughtful new design.

We offer a free 30-minute Zoom consultation to discuss your garden, your ideas, and whether we're the right fit for each other. There's no obligation and it's a great way to get initial thoughts on your project.

If you'd like us to visit in person, on-site consultations are charged (from £400) because they allow us to properly assess your space — soil conditions, light patterns, existing features, access issues — and give you detailed, actionable recommendations. Many clients find this investment worthwhile as it prevents costly mistakes down the line.

The on-site consultation fee is deducted from any full design package you go on to book with us. Get in touch to arrange your free Zoom call.

Yes — we're based in Hackney and East London is our home territory. We've completed full garden transformations across Hackney, Walthamstow, Stoke Newington, Bow, Bethnal Green, Stratford, and throughout the East London boroughs. Being local means we understand the specific challenges of East London gardens — the Victorian terrace proportions, the soil conditions, the access restrictions. Our RHS-qualified designer Sarah Ferguson brings deep knowledge of what works in compact urban spaces.

Yes, we work throughout Taunton, Wellington, Minehead, and West Somerset including the Quantock and Blackdown Hills. These areas offer wonderful scope for country garden design with their varied landscapes and larger plots. From farmhouse gardens to village properties, we create designs that work with the local character. Our full garden transformation service connects you with trusted West Somerset contractors who understand rural building requirements.

Absolutely. Our West London garden design service covers Chiswick, Richmond, Kew, Ealing, Fulham, Chelsea, and throughout the western boroughs. West London's classic properties deserve equally refined outdoor spaces, and we specialise in high-end designs that combine elegance with practicality. Whether you're looking for a formal garden with structured hedges, a contemporary entertaining space, or a stylish courtyard, our RHS-qualified team creates gardens that match West London's premium property standards.

We work across Somerset from our base near Glastonbury, including Wells, Frome, Taunton, Bath, Bristol, Bridgwater, Street, and surrounding villages throughout the Mendips and Somerset Levels. We also serve Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Wiltshire for larger projects. If you're unsure whether we cover your location, just ask — we'll give you a straight answer. Our full garden design service is available throughout the South West.

Yes, Bath and Bristol are core areas we serve from our Somerset base near Glastonbury. Bath's Georgian properties and Bristol's diverse architecture each present unique opportunities for garden design. We understand the planning considerations in conservation areas, work with Bath's distinctive limestone, and create gardens that complement these cities' architectural heritage. From compact city courtyards to larger suburban gardens, we design spaces that suit urban South West living.

Yes — outdoor entertaining is a growing part of our work. We design outdoor kitchens, dining terraces, fire pit areas, and comfortable seating zones that extend your living space into the garden. Key considerations include: shelter from weather, lighting for evening use, durable surfaces, and screening for privacy. Whether you want a sleek contemporary space or a relaxed country garden setting, our design process ensures every element works together.

We design for above-ground spaces too. Roof terraces and balconies come with specific challenges — weight restrictions, wind exposure, irrigation access — but they're often the only outdoor space available in central London. We can advise on structural considerations and design schemes that work within the constraints. Our full design service includes container planting schemes, vertical gardens, and space-saving solutions that transform even the smallest balcony into a stylish outdoor retreat.

Yes, they're core areas for us. We work with landscape gardeners based locally who know the right suppliers, understand conservation area rules, and have experience with both city courtyards and larger suburban plots. Our design-to-build service means you've got one point of contact throughout, or you can take our designs to your own contractor if you prefer.

We've got established relationships with contractors across our patch. In London, that means people who are used to carrying materials through houses, dealing with party walls, and working in tight spaces. In Somerset and the South West, we work with local landscapers who know where to source Bath stone, understand the local soil conditions, and have suppliers they trust. Drop us a message with your postcode and we can let you know who we'd recommend.

Both. We offer design-only packages if you want to use your own contractors, but most clients go for the full service. We work with landscapers across London, Somerset, Bristol, and Bath who we've built relationships with over years of projects. You get one point of contact throughout, and we make sure the finished garden actually looks like the design.

Yes, we work extensively across North London including Highgate, Hampstead, Crouch End, Muswell Hill, Islington, Finsbury Park, and surrounding areas. North London gardens range from compact Victorian terraces to larger Edwardian plots, and we understand how to maximise these varied spaces. Our full garden design service creates biodiverse, stylish gardens that complement North London's diverse architectural character — from contemporary family spaces to formal period-appropriate designs.

Yes — we offer ongoing maintenance to keep your garden looking its best after installation. Options include regular weekly or monthly visits, seasonal maintenance programmes, and one-off garden MOTs. Many clients find that professional maintenance in the first year helps plants establish well. We can also provide guidance if you prefer to maintain the garden yourself, including seasonal care calendars and planting notes.

Sustainability is central to our approach, but that doesn't mean every garden has to be a wildflower meadow. We design contemporary spaces, formal gardens, family entertaining areas, cottage gardens, and everything in between. What unites our work is thoughtful plant selection, responsible material choices, and designs that support rather than fight against natural processes. Our biodiverse planting schemes work with Somerset's unique conditions — whether that's heavy clay on the Levels or free-draining limestone in the Mendips.

Wildlife is always part of our approach, but we design contemporary spaces, formal gardens, family entertaining areas, and everything in between. What unites our work is thoughtful plant selection that supports pollinators and other wildlife alongside whatever aesthetic you're after. A garden can look sleek and modern while still being ecologically valuable. Our RHS-qualified designer creates biodiverse planting schemes that provide year-round interest while nurturing local ecosystems — from city courtyards to country estates.

Yes, 3D visualisations are included in all our full garden design packages. These photorealistic renders show exactly how your garden will look from multiple angles, helping you understand spatial relationships, planting combinations, and material choices before any work begins. It's particularly valuable for small urban gardens where every decision impacts the overall feel of the space. You can refine the design until you're completely happy before we move to construction.

Yes, always. In London we work with landscapers who know urban sites inside out. In the South West we use teams based around Bath, Bristol, and Somerset who have their own supplier relationships and understand local building styles. Using local people keeps costs down (less travel time to bill for), reduces the carbon footprint, and means we're supporting businesses in the areas where our clients live.

Yes — Wells, Frome, Shepton Mallet, and the Mendip villages are within easy reach of our Glastonbury base. The Mendips present particular opportunities for garden design: the limestone soil drains freely and suits Mediterranean-style planting, while the elevation creates distinct microclimates. We know which plants thrive in these conditions and can recommend local stone suppliers for authentic landscaping that complements the area's character.

Yes — consistently. Estate agents report that a well-designed garden can add 5-15% to property value, often exceeding the cost of creating it. In London especially, outdoor space is premium real estate. A transformed front garden improves kerb appeal and first impressions. A properly designed rear garden extends your living space and photographs beautifully for listings. Beyond financial return, you get years of enjoyment from the investment. Our full garden transformations are designed to last, using quality materials that age well and planting that matures beautifully.

Privacy is one of the most common requests we hear, especially in urban gardens. Solutions depend on where you're being overlooked from: pleached trees and tall hedging screen from neighbours, while pergolas with climbers or sail shades block views from above. Strategic positioning of seating areas matters too — sometimes moving the dining spot two metres transforms how private it feels. We also use layered planting to create psychological privacy without total enclosure. Our design process maps sightlines carefully so your garden becomes a genuine retreat.

A wildlife-friendly garden needs four things: food sources (nectar-rich flowers, berries, seed heads left over winter), water (even a small dish helps), shelter (dense shrubs, log piles, undisturbed corners), and connectivity (gaps in fences for hedgehogs, climbing plants for insects). Our garden design approach builds these elements into stylish spaces that support local ecosystems while looking contemporary. Wildlife-friendly doesn't mean wild-looking — a garden can be elegant and ecologically valuable at the same time.

Several design techniques create the illusion of more space. Diagonal layouts force the eye across the garden rather than straight to the back wall. Larger format paving with fewer grout lines creates a cleaner, more spacious feel. Vertical planting draws the eye upward without using floor space. Mirrors strategically placed can double perceived depth. Light colours on walls and pale paving reflect light and open up dark corners. Our small garden designs combine these techniques to transform even the tiniest courtyards into spaces that feel generous and inviting.

Japanese knotweed requires specialist treatment — it's not something to tackle yourself. The plant can grow through concrete and is notoriously difficult to eradicate. We recommend getting a professional survey and treatment plan from a PCA-accredited contractor before any garden work begins. Mortgage lenders require proof of treatment, so documentation matters. Once knotweed is under control (usually 2-3 years of treatment), we can design your garden around it. Don't let knotweed stop you — it's manageable with the right approach. We can recommend trusted specialists in both London and Somerset.

Sloping gardens need careful handling but often become the most characterful spaces. Common approaches include terracing (creating level areas connected by steps or paths), retaining walls that double as seating, and planting that works with the gradient rather than fighting it. Drainage is critical — water runs downhill, so we design to manage this from the start. Our site survey assesses gradients, soil stability, and drainage patterns. Many of our most striking projects have been on challenging slopes — the topography creates natural interest that flat gardens lack.

Look for a designer with horticultural qualifications (RHS or equivalent), a portfolio of completed projects in your area, and transparent pricing. Local knowledge matters — a designer who understands your area's soil, climate, and planning requirements will create a garden that establishes well. At Wild Butterfly Gardening, our RHS-qualified designer works from bases in London and Somerset, bringing local expertise to every project. We offer a free initial call to discuss your needs before any commitment.

Start by thinking about how you actually want to use your outdoor space. Do you need room for children to play? Somewhere to entertain friends? A quiet spot to sit with a coffee? Make notes on what frustrates you about your current garden and what you'd love to change.

Next, observe your garden through the seasons if you can. Notice where the sun falls at different times of day, which areas stay damp, and what existing plants are thriving. This information is invaluable for good design.

When you're ready, a garden consultation with a professional designer helps turn those observations and wishes into a practical plan. We offer a free 30-minute Zoom call to discuss your ideas before any commitment, then a paid on-site consultation where we can properly assess your space and goals. From there, we can develop a full garden design or simply give you expert advice to work with.

An overgrown garden often has hidden potential — mature trees, established shrubs, and character that newer gardens lack. Our approach starts with a thorough assessment: what's worth keeping, what needs removing, and what the space could become. Often the bones of a good garden are already there. A consultation gives you expert guidance on prioritising work, while a full garden transformation handles everything from clearance to final planting. Don't assume everything needs to go — established plants are valuable.

We keep payment terms straightforward. Consultations are paid in full when booking. For design packages, we typically take 50% upfront and 50% on delivery of final plans. For full garden transformations including construction, payments are staged: a deposit to secure your build slot, then progress payments at agreed milestones (typically after hard landscaping and after planting). We provide clear payment schedules before any work begins, so there are no surprises. Bank transfer is our preferred method.

Family gardens need to work for everyone — play space for children, entertaining areas for adults, and planting that's robust enough to handle family life. Our designs create flexible spaces that can evolve as children grow: lawn areas that become borders later, built-in seating with storage, and durable surfaces that handle heavy use. We prioritise non-toxic plants where children play, and create wildlife habitats that double as educational features.

Large gardens become manageable through strategic zoning. We create high-maintenance areas where you spend most time (terraces, borders near the house) and lower-maintenance zones further out (wildflower meadows, naturalistic planting, gravel gardens). Meadow areas only need cutting twice yearly. Naturalistic planting with grasses and perennials largely looks after itself once established. We also consider practical factors: wide paths for mower access, robust plant choices that don't need staking, and irrigation for areas that need it. A well-designed large garden shouldn't feel like a burden.

For full garden transformations, we recommend booking 3-6 months ahead of when you want construction to start. Spring builds should be booked by January; autumn projects by June. Consultations can often be arranged within 2-3 weeks. Our busiest periods are February-April and September-October. If you have a specific deadline — a summer party, house sale, or event — let us know early so we can plan accordingly.

Timescales vary depending on scope. A garden consultation can happen within a few weeks of enquiry. Design projects typically take 6-12 weeks from briefing to final plans, including 3D visualisations and detailed planting schemes. Build phases depend on scale, access, and contractor availability — a small courtyard might take 2-3 weeks to construct, while a larger full garden transformation could run to 8-12 weeks. Spring and autumn are our busiest seasons, so if you're hoping for completion before summer entertaining, we recommend booking your consultation in January or February.

Timescales vary depending on scope. A garden consultation can happen within a few weeks of enquiry. Design projects typically take 6-12 weeks from briefing to final plans, including 3D visualisations and detailed planting schemes. Build phases depend on scale and contractor availability — a courtyard garden might take 2-3 weeks to construct, while a larger country garden transformation could run to 8-12 weeks. We'll give you realistic timelines during the design process.

A typical small garden transformation takes 6-10 weeks from design brief to completion. The design phase runs 4-6 weeks, including site survey, concept development, 3D visualisations, and revisions. Construction for a small courtyard or terrace usually takes 2-4 weeks depending on access and complexity. Courtyard gardens with restricted access may take slightly longer as materials must be carried through the house. Book your consultation 3-4 months before you want the garden finished to allow comfortable scheduling.

A small courtyard in London or Bristol usually takes 2-3 weeks. A medium family garden in the suburbs or a Somerset market town is more like 4-6 weeks. Larger country garden projects can run 8-12 weeks, especially if there's a lot of groundwork or structural stuff involved. Weather plays a part too, and we'll build realistic buffers into the schedule.

Our garden consultation service starts at £400 for a half-day session with our RHS-qualified designer. Border renovation projects begin at £1,100, while full garden design packages start from £3,000. For complete design and build projects in London, budgets typically start around £20,000 for smaller courtyard gardens, with larger plots requiring proportionally more. London costs tend to run higher than elsewhere due to access challenges, skip permits, and contractor rates — we're always upfront about this during initial conversations. Approximately 88% of your investment goes toward labour, materials and plants, with around 12% allocated to design.

Our garden consultation service starts at £400 for a half-day session with our RHS-qualified designer. Border renovation projects begin at £1,100, while full garden design packages start from £3,000. For complete design and build projects in Somerset, budgets typically start around £17,500 for smaller gardens, with larger or more complex country garden projects requiring proportionally more investment. We're always happy to discuss your budget openly and suggest approaches that deliver the best value — and projects can be phased over time to help manage costs.

Large garden design packages typically start from £5,000-£8,000 for comprehensive plans including zoning, planting schemes, and 3D visualisations. For complete design and build of country gardens, budgets usually range from £30,000 to £80,000 or more depending on size, features, and complexity. Larger estates with kitchen gardens, multiple terraces, and extensive planting can require significantly more investment. The good news is that large gardens suit phasing perfectly. We can design the complete vision, then build in stages as budget allows. See our pricing guide for detailed breakdowns.

Small garden design in London typically costs £3,000-£5,000 for a full design package including 3D visualisations and detailed planting plans. For complete design and build, expect £15,000-£30,000 depending on materials, access constraints, and features like lighting or built-in seating. The cost per square metre is higher than larger gardens because fixed costs spread over less space, but total investment is usually more manageable. Our pricing page includes a project simulator to help you understand costs for your specific situation.

Absolutely. Not every garden needs a complete redesign. If you're happy with your layout but want expert help choosing the right plants, we offer standalone planting design services.

This might be a consultation where we walk your garden together and I recommend plants for specific spots, or a full planting plan with detailed species lists, quantities, and layout. We consider your soil type, aspect, how much sun each area gets, and what look you're after — whether that's wildlife-friendly and naturalistic, cottage garden abundance, or something more contemporary.

We can also help with front garden planting, border renovations, or refreshing tired beds. Get in touch to discuss what you need.

Yes. We take on landscaping projects for designs created by other people. We'll look over the plans, flag anything that might cause problems on site, and manage the build. This comes up quite often with clients who've bought a property with planning permission already in place, or who've worked with a designer who doesn't offer construction.

First, don't rush to clear everything — neglected gardens often hide valuable mature plants beneath the chaos. Our recommended approach: live with the garden for a few months if possible, noting what emerges through the seasons. Then book a consultation where we assess what's worth keeping, what should go, and what the space could become. We've transformed dozens of overgrown gardens into beautiful outdoor living spaces, often incorporating mature specimens that would take decades to replace. Starting with professional guidance prevents expensive mistakes and helps you prioritise your budget.

Generally, yes. It's not just labour rates: parking permits, skip hire, and waste removal all cost more in the city. Access constraints can add time to a project too. A small London courtyard might cost £15,000-20,000 to landscape properly. The same budget goes further in Somerset where you're not paying London premiums. We're always upfront about costs, and we can suggest ways to phase work if budget is tight. Check out our pricing page for more details.

Often, yes — small gardens benefit most from professional design because there's no room for error. Every plant, every paving slab, every centimetre matters. Our full garden design service includes 3D visualisations so you can see exactly how your space will look before any work begins. Some of our most satisfying projects have been tiny courtyards and terraces in Hackney and across East London where clever design made a transformative difference. We specialise in creating outdoor entertaining spaces that maximise every square metre.

The best plants for small gardens earn their place by offering multiple seasons of interest. We recommend: Japanese maples for year-round structure and autumn colour, evergreen ferns for shady spots, ornamental grasses like Hakonechloa for movement, compact hydrangeas for summer flowers, and climbers like star jasmine to use vertical space. Avoid plants that spread aggressively or need constant pruning. Our planting schemes for small urban gardens focus on plants that look good year-round with minimal maintenance.

Clay soil is challenging but surprisingly fertile once you work with it. Plants that thrive include: roses, geraniums, asters, Japanese anemones, hydrangeas, dogwoods, and ornamental grasses like Miscanthus. The key is improving drainage with organic matter and choosing plants that tolerate winter waterlogging. Avoid Mediterranean plants that need sharp drainage. Our planting plans are tailored to your specific soil conditions — we test and observe before recommending. Many London gardens and Somerset Levels properties sit on heavy clay, so this is something we navigate regularly.

From Glastonbury we work across: Bath and the surrounding villages, Bristol (including Clifton, Redland, Southville, and the outer suburbs), Wells, Frome, Street, Shepton Mallet, and villages across the Mendips and Levels. We also take on projects in Wiltshire and occasionally further into Devon and Dorset for bigger commissions. Get in touch with your postcode and we'll confirm.

Shade is an opportunity, not a limitation. Our shade garden designs use the rich palette of plants that thrive without direct sun: ferns, hostas, hellebores, woodland bulbs, and shade-tolerant shrubs. We create lush, green spaces with interesting textures and seasonal highlights. Light-coloured paving and mirrors can brighten dark corners. Many of our favourite London courtyard designs work with significant shade — these spaces often stay cool and comfortable in summer.

Everything you'd expect: clearing the site, groundworks and drainage, patios and paths (we work with natural stone, porcelain, or brick depending on the look you want), decking, walls and raised beds, fencing, lawn or artificial grass, and all the planting. We can also bring in specialists for lighting, irrigation, and water features when the design calls for it.

Current trends emphasise sustainability, biodiversity, and outdoor living spaces that extend the home. We're seeing demand for: naturalistic planting with grasses and perennials, outdoor kitchens and dining areas, permeable surfaces that manage rainwater, edible gardens integrated with ornamental planting, and year-round structure from evergreens and architectural plants. Our design approach balances these contemporary ideas with timeless principles — creating gardens that feel current but won't date quickly.

During your consultation, our RHS-qualified designer Sarah Ferguson visits your property for a thorough assessment. We discuss how you want to use the space, what frustrates you about your current garden, your aesthetic preferences, and budget. We assess soil conditions, light patterns, existing features worth keeping, and any challenges like drainage or access. You'll receive honest, practical advice and recommendations — whether that's a full garden transformation or targeted improvements to specific areas.

Our design process is collaborative, not prescriptive. We present initial concepts based on your brief, then refine together until you're completely happy. Two rounds of revisions are included in all design packages, and we use 3D visualisations so you can see exactly how the space will look before committing. If we're heading in the wrong direction, we'd rather know early — honest feedback helps us create a garden you'll love. Most clients find we capture their vision well from the start because we listen carefully during the consultation phase.

Our full garden transformation service covers everything from initial concept to completion. This includes: a comprehensive site survey, 3D design visualisations, detailed planting plans, material sourcing, project management with trusted contractors, hard landscaping installation, planting, and irrigation or lighting if required. We handle the entire process so you don't have to coordinate multiple trades. Full garden transformation packages start from £17,500, with approximately 88% going toward labour, materials and plants.

Naturalistic planting mimics how plants grow in nature — drifts of perennials, ornamental grasses, and self-seeding annuals that create dynamic, seasonal interest. Pioneered by designers like Piet Oudolf, it's lower maintenance than traditional borders once established, and superb for biodiversity. Plants are chosen for their structure and seed heads as much as their flowers, giving year-round interest. Our planting schemes often incorporate naturalistic elements, particularly in country gardens where the style connects beautifully with the surrounding landscape. It suits clients who want gardens that feel alive and slightly wild, rather than manicured.

The best low-maintenance gardens combine durable hard landscaping with carefully chosen plants that thrive without constant attention. Key elements include: drought-tolerant planting, permeable surfaces that manage themselves, structural evergreens for year-round form, and ground-cover plants that suppress weeds. Our biodiverse garden designs prioritise plants suited to your specific conditions — when plants are in the right place, they need less intervention. We design beautiful outdoor spaces that look after themselves.

The best time to start a garden design project in Somerset is autumn or early winter. This allows time for design development over winter, with construction typically beginning in late winter or early spring. Planting is best done in autumn (September–November) or spring (March–May) when soil conditions are optimal and plants establish most successfully. If you're planning a full garden transformation for summer 2026, we recommend booking your consultation in January or February to secure your place in our spring build schedule.

Front garden transformations typically range from £8,000-£25,000 depending on size, materials, and features. A Victorian front garden restoration with period-appropriate tiles, planting, and new pathway might be £10,000-£15,000. Our pricing page includes a project simulator to help you understand costs. Front gardens often deliver the best return on investment — they transform your home's first impression and can increase property value.

A garden consultation (£400) is a half-day session where our RHS-qualified designer visits your garden, discusses your needs, and provides expert advice on layout, planting, and problem areas — ideal if you want professional guidance but plan to do the work yourself. A full garden design package (from £3,000) includes site survey, 3D visualisations, detailed planting plans, material specifications, and ongoing support through the build phase. Choose full design when you want comprehensive plans for contractors to follow.

We source high-quality, durable materials from trusted suppliers — natural stone, quality porcelain, hardwood timber, and premium aggregates. For Somerset projects, we often use local stone that complements the area's character. In London, we balance aesthetics with practical considerations like weight restrictions and access. Our landscaping service includes material sourcing, and we're happy to advise on sustainable options like reclaimed materials and permeable surfaces.

Key questions include: What qualifications do you have? Can I see examples of similar projects? How does your pricing work? Who will manage the build? What's your availability? How do you handle changes during the project? At Wild Butterfly Gardening, we're always happy to discuss our packages and process openly. Our RHS-qualified designer handles projects personally, and we work with trusted landscaping contractors we know deliver quality work.

Country gardens need to work harder than urban ones. Key considerations include: views (frame the good ones, screen the bad), practical access for maintenance equipment, shelter from prevailing winds, and connection to the surrounding landscape. Think about how you'll use the garden across seasons, not just summer. Where will you store logs? How visible are bins and compost? Can delivery vehicles access easily? Our Somerset and Kent projects often incorporate borrowed landscape, making the garden feel much larger by celebrating views of surrounding countryside.

A garden designer creates the vision — layouts, planting plans, material choices, and 3D visualisations. A landscaper builds it — the physical construction, paving, planting installation. Some companies do both; we offer a complete design and build service where our designer creates plans and manages trusted contractors through construction. This integrated approach means the finished garden matches the design intent. Our design packages can also be delivered as plans for you to build with your own contractor.

Garden design is the planning bit: working out what goes where, choosing materials, creating planting schemes, thinking about how you'll actually use the space. Landscaping is the building bit: digging, laying patios, putting up fences, preparing soil for planting. We handle both, either together or separately.

If you want your garden transformation completed in time for summer 2026 entertaining, book your consultation in January or February. This gives time for the design phase (6-12 weeks), contractor scheduling, and a spring build when ground conditions are optimal. Our busiest booking period is February-April, and we typically work 2-3 months ahead for full design and build projects. The earlier you start the design conversation, the more flexibility you'll have with timing and contractor availability.

We have two bases: our London studio in Hackney, East London, and our Somerset base near Glastonbury. From London we work across all boroughs including North London, West London, and throughout the South East including Kent, Surrey and Sussex. From Somerset we cover Bristol, Bath, Wells, Frome, Taunton, and the surrounding South West counties. East London is our home territory — we know its Victorian terraces, its courtyards, its soil conditions, and its garden challenges intimately.

Sarah Ferguson is our founder and lead designer — an RHS-qualified garden designer who transitioned from the fashion industry to horticulture. Her background in fashion informs a unique approach to garden design, applying principles of balance, proportion, and seasonal interest. Sarah personally handles the design process for every project, from initial consultation through to handover. She works from our studios in East London and Somerset.

A designer brings three things that are hard to replicate: trained spatial awareness (we see possibilities you might miss), horticultural knowledge (we know what will actually thrive in your conditions), and project management experience (we've solved problems you haven't encountered yet). DIY gardens often end up costing more through trial and error, plant failures, and materials that don't work together. Our design packages give you a clear plan that any competent landscaper can build, or we can manage the whole transformation for you. The initial investment typically saves money long-term.

Somerset's geology creates dramatically different growing conditions within short distances. We know which plants will struggle in waterlogged clay on the Levels and which will thrive in thin soil over Mendip limestone. Local knowledge prevents expensive mistakes, ensures your planting scheme establishes well, and means we can recommend trusted local suppliers and contractors. From our Glastonbury base, we've built relationships with Somerset's best landscapers, nurseries, and craftspeople — connections that benefit every garden transformation we undertake.