Chris Hull is the founder of Greenbook Landscape Design and a multi-award-winning garden designer known for creating thoughtful, practical gardens that feel as good as they look.
With a background in Ecology and Conservation, Chris brings a deep understanding of the natural environment into every project. His work focuses not just on aesthetics, but on how gardens function, evolve and sit within their wider landscape.
A Practical Approach to Garden Design
Chris’ approach to garden design is grounded in how people actually use their spaces.
Rather than following trends or imposing a fixed style, each project is shaped around the client, the setting and the way the garden needs to work day to day. This balance of creative thinking and practical experience is what underpins all of his work.
Television & Media
Chris is widely recognised for his work on television, where he brings garden design to a broader audience in an approachable and engaging way.
He is a presenter on BBC’s Garden Rescue, working alongside Charlie Dimmock, Lee Burkhill and Flo Hedlam to transform outdoor spaces across the UK.
He has also appeared as a garden expert on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh.
Chris is also involved with the RHS & BBC The One Show’sPocket Garden Makeover Prize, where entrants get a shot at having their small garden or balcony transformed by him.
Awards & Recognition
Chris’ work has been recognised at the highest level within the industry.
Most notably, he was awarded a Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 for the Microbiome Garden, co-designed with Sid Hill. The project explored the relationship between planting, soil health and the wider ecosystem, reflecting his interest in environmentally conscious design.
Experience & Perspective
Chris thrives on the variety that comes with garden design, working across a range of projects from private residential gardens to larger, more complex landscapes.
His combined experience in horticulture, landscaping and design allows him to approach projects holistically. Chris understands not just how a garden should look, but how it should be built and how it will mature over time.
Inspiration
Chris draws inspiration from gardens that have stood the test of time.
One of his favourite places to visit is the historic gardens at Hotel Endsleigh, designed by Humphrey Repton, a space that demonstrates how strong design principles can endure and continue to shape the way a landscape is experienced.
Working With Chris
Through Greenbook Landscape Design, Chris works closely with clients, architects and project teams to develop gardens that are both considered and practical.
Whether leading a full design or contributing to a wider project, his focus remains the same - creating spaces that feel natural, work effortlessly and stand the test of time.
Enquiries
If you’re planning a garden project and would like to work with Greenbook Landscape Design, we’d love to hear from you.
Had an overdue maintenance visit for one of my projects and the Taxus topiary balls had become too shaggy! It’s one of the most satisfying jobs to do as they look so crisp when surrounded with flowering perennials.
More regular clipping is key as the plant focuses the new growth into making the tight shape rather than straight out!
Some of the perennials have been struggling with the heat but on the whole it’s looking good considering!
Had an overdue maintenance visit for one of my projects and the Taxus topiary balls had become too shaggy! It’s one of the most satisfying jobs to do as they look so crisp when surrounded with flowering perennials.
More regular clipping is key as the plant focuses the new growth into making the tight shape rather than straight out!
Some of the perennials have been struggling with the heat but on the whole it’s looking good considering!
@toolstation_uk are now stocking @stihlgb tools. If you’re like me and often need things last minute, you don’t have to panic and drive all over the place trying to find something in stock. Toolstation will have a huge range of stock available for next working day collection.
Thanks to the Launceston branch of Toolstation for putting up with my shenanigans 😂
@toolstation_uk are now stocking @stihlgb tools. If you’re like me and often need things last minute, you don’t have to panic and drive all over the place trying to find something in stock. Toolstation will have a huge range of stock available for next working day collection.
Thanks to the Launceston branch of Toolstation for putting up with my shenanigans 😂
@flo_the_gardener and I had a right laugh filming this one. Plenty of swooning around the garden pretending we were in a period drama! I probably should have been wearing a top hat and tails?
The key to bringing this theme to life was the mix of structural evergreens paired with some traditional favourites like Hydrangeas, Roses, Wisteria and Lavender.
The team did an amazing job on the build as always @suzie_topping_pm 🙌. It’s the little details like the brick edging and the angled overhangs on the pergola that give it that traditional feel.
@flo_the_gardener and I had a right laugh filming this one. Plenty of swooning around the garden pretending we were in a period drama! I probably should have been wearing a top hat and tails?
The key to bringing this theme to life was the mix of structural evergreens paired with some traditional favourites like Hydrangeas, Roses, Wisteria and Lavender.
The team did an amazing job on the build as always @suzie_topping_pm 🙌. It’s the little details like the brick edging and the angled overhangs on the pergola that give it that traditional feel.
This garden rescue was a personal favourite as I absolutely love tropical planting! What was even more amazing is that Barbara already had collected LOADS of amazing unusual plants. I just had the joy of arranging them in a new design.
This style of garden requires you to play with the wide range of texture and really consider how these plants work together. Luckily I had @garden_ninja_lee to help me and despite his hatred for Phormiums 😂, we both trust each other to run with it when it comes to setting out. It really helps to take the load off when you have a big build like that!
Some of my personal favourites for big leaves in this are the Catalpa, the Paulowinia and Tetrapanax.
ALSO who else loves that water feature?!
Thanks as always to the team managed by @benjaminrichardpope 👌
Watch @gardenrescueofficial S11 Ep7 Coventry on @bbciplayer now.
This garden rescue was a personal favourite as I absolutely love tropical planting! What was even more amazing is that Barbara already had collected LOADS of amazing unusual plants. I just had the joy of arranging them in a new design.
This style of garden requires you to play with the wide range of texture and really consider how these plants work together. Luckily I had @garden_ninja_lee to help me and despite his hatred for Phormiums 😂, we both trust each other to run with it when it comes to setting out. It really helps to take the load off when you have a big build like that!
Some of my personal favourites for big leaves in this are the Catalpa, the Paulowinia and Tetrapanax.
ALSO who else loves that water feature?!
Thanks as always to the team managed by @benjaminrichardpope 👌
Watch @gardenrescueofficial S11 Ep7 Coventry on @bbciplayer now.
Possibly a controversial take, but I think having topiary in a naturalistic planting, makes it even better! Plants from this scheme listed below 🌸.
Whatever the shape may be, the contrast (or juxtaposition if you want to use designer lingo) between the clipped structure and the wild planting, is what really makes the planting stand out.
As humans we crave that contrast. A full field of long meadow grass looks nice, but if it has a mown winding path through it, you’re naturally drawn to that change between neat and wild.
The other benefit for the topiary is that it provides a strong evergreen structure throughout the seasons, always locking the scheme together.
You could do the same with other evergreen plants, and I do that too, but for me nothing beats a crisply clipped Yew!
P.s I haven’t aged…a few years… that’s my legend of a step dad who was out working with me 😂. He loves clipping topiary!
Plants in shot: Taxus (Yew) topiary dome Salvia ‘Caradonna’ Sesleria autumnalis Deschampsia cespitosa
Amongst and around this are also Geum ‘Mai Tai’ Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Alba’ Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ Echinacea ‘Pretty Parasols’ Astrantia ’Large White’
Possibly a controversial take, but I think having topiary in a naturalistic planting, makes it even better! Plants from this scheme listed below 🌸.
Whatever the shape may be, the contrast (or juxtaposition if you want to use designer lingo) between the clipped structure and the wild planting, is what really makes the planting stand out.
As humans we crave that contrast. A full field of long meadow grass looks nice, but if it has a mown winding path through it, you’re naturally drawn to that change between neat and wild.
The other benefit for the topiary is that it provides a strong evergreen structure throughout the seasons, always locking the scheme together.
You could do the same with other evergreen plants, and I do that too, but for me nothing beats a crisply clipped Yew!
P.s I haven’t aged…a few years… that’s my legend of a step dad who was out working with me 😂. He loves clipping topiary!
Plants in shot: Taxus (Yew) topiary dome Salvia ‘Caradonna’ Sesleria autumnalis Deschampsia cespitosa
Amongst and around this are also Geum ‘Mai Tai’ Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Alba’ Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ Echinacea ‘Pretty Parasols’ Astrantia ’Large White’
A load of plants and year to grow can make a massive difference to a garden…
I loved designing and planting up this garden and each time I visit I’m excited to see how the plants are behaving themselves, however not everything goes to plan! There’s always tweaks and changes to be made, but it’s looking pretty good.
The challenge is the weeding, especially in the first year after disturbing the seed bed. It will calm down though now they’re filling out.
Also have everyone’s Geum’s gone crazy this year?!
A load of plants and year to grow can make a massive difference to a garden…
I loved designing and planting up this garden and each time I visit I’m excited to see how the plants are behaving themselves, however not everything goes to plan! There’s always tweaks and changes to be made, but it’s looking pretty good.
The challenge is the weeding, especially in the first year after disturbing the seed bed. It will calm down though now they’re filling out.
Also have everyone’s Geum’s gone crazy this year?!
The smaller the space the more important the details. Every millimetre counts in a garden like this.
Thanks to @the_rhs & @bbctheoneshow I had the pleasure of doing another Pocket Garden Makeover. This year it was for Lewis and Ricky and their 2nd floor balcony that was also their personal sanctuary to escape the worries of the world.
You could tell this is going to be a garden that will be well loved and really make a difference to their lives.
Hopefully it showcases what’s possible in even the smallest of spaces and inspires other people to utilise their outdoor space.
Big shout out to everyone involved from production to build crew 🙌
The smaller the space the more important the details. Every millimetre counts in a garden like this.
Thanks to @the_rhs & @bbctheoneshow I had the pleasure of doing another Pocket Garden Makeover. This year it was for Lewis and Ricky and their 2nd floor balcony that was also their personal sanctuary to escape the worries of the world.
You could tell this is going to be a garden that will be well loved and really make a difference to their lives.
Hopefully it showcases what’s possible in even the smallest of spaces and inspires other people to utilise their outdoor space.
Big shout out to everyone involved from production to build crew 🙌
My camera roll was mostly pics of animals (no surprise there 😂) and a few selfies, so thanks to @duckgardenplantsandposies and @rhizophyllia for the pics of us all on stage!
I had a great time speaking across both days @tobygardenfest and the whole vibe was so relaxed. Thanks @tobybucklandgardens and @sow_much_more for being the best hosts. Plus Lauren & her amazing team who ran the show!
Even instagram royalty @gardenwithjonny was there! We had a very cosy Q&A at the end of a soaking wet final day 😂
@powderhamcastle is the best setting! What other festival has a deer park, the most amazing views and a wetland habitat full of awesome wildlife.
My camera roll was mostly pics of animals (no surprise there 😂) and a few selfies, so thanks to @duckgardenplantsandposies and @rhizophyllia for the pics of us all on stage!
I had a great time speaking across both days @tobygardenfest and the whole vibe was so relaxed. Thanks @tobybucklandgardens and @sow_much_more for being the best hosts. Plus Lauren & her amazing team who ran the show!
Even instagram royalty @gardenwithjonny was there! We had a very cosy Q&A at the end of a soaking wet final day 😂
@powderhamcastle is the best setting! What other festival has a deer park, the most amazing views and a wetland habitat full of awesome wildlife.
This is a project I’m working on at the moment down in Dorset and it’s so exciting. I’m really pleased with these how these perspective sketches turned out as well.
The garden features include a dry stone wall with spouts that feed a floating rill and multiple troughs. The whole garden will have traditional, romantic planting, with a naturalistic twist. A chunky Oak pergola and pleached trees makes the perfect spot to chill out and look across the wider garden.
Plus there’s some lovely hard landscaping details going in! Can’t wait to see it develop.
I do hand draw believe it or not, but it’s on the iPad with Apple Pencil so you still have the flexibility of changing things if you make a mistake!
All of my working plans and 3D models are done on @vectorworks of course.
This is a project I’m working on at the moment down in Dorset and it’s so exciting. I’m really pleased with these how these perspective sketches turned out as well.
The garden features include a dry stone wall with spouts that feed a floating rill and multiple troughs. The whole garden will have traditional, romantic planting, with a naturalistic twist. A chunky Oak pergola and pleached trees makes the perfect spot to chill out and look across the wider garden.
Plus there’s some lovely hard landscaping details going in! Can’t wait to see it develop.
I do hand draw believe it or not, but it’s on the iPad with Apple Pencil so you still have the flexibility of changing things if you make a mistake!
All of my working plans and 3D models are done on @vectorworks of course.
