Every project starts with a simple idea - creating a garden that actually works for how you want to live.
That might be a complete blank canvas around a new build, or an existing space that just isn’t doing what it should. Either way, good garden design is about more than how it looks. It’s about how it feels to move through it, use it, and spend time in it.
Based in Devon, Greenbook Landscape Design designs gardens across the UK, working with homeowners, architects and developers to create thoughtful, well-resolved outdoor spaces.
Our garden design service takes your project from initial ideas through to a fully developed design, ready to be built.
That includes:
A clear, considered layout that works with your property
Cohesive material and styling decisions
Detailed technical drawings for construction
Carefully designed planting schemes
Ongoing input throughout the build if needed
Some clients want a full design package. Others come to us for a specific stage of the process. We can shape the service around what you need.
We typically work on projects where a thoughtful, well-developed design can make a meaningful difference to the space.
A Garden Designed Around You
No two gardens - or clients - are the same.
Some people want a space for entertaining, some want somewhere quiet to retreat to, and others need something that works for a busy family life. Most want a bit of everything.
The starting point is always understanding how you want to use the space. From there, the design builds outwards - creating structure, flow and atmosphere that fits your lifestyle.
While we’re based in Devon, the design side of what we do isn’t limited by location.
We regularly work with clients across the UK, developing detailed garden designs remotely and collaborating with architects, contractors and project teams to bring them to life.
For projects in the South West, we’re often more hands-on throughout the build. Further afield, we focus on delivering a clear, well-resolved design that can be implemented by your chosen contractor.
How the Design Process Works
Every project is slightly different, but the overall process follows a clear structure, taking you from initial ideas through to a design that can be built properly.
Initial Consultation
We start by visiting the site (or meeting remotely if needed), getting a feel for the space and understanding what you’re trying to achieve. It’s a chance to talk things through properly - what’s working, what isn’t, and what you’d like the garden to become. From there, we’ll put together a design brief and a clear fee proposal.
Site Survey
Before any design work begins, we need an accurate base to work from. Depending on the project, we’ll arrange a professional survey to map out levels, boundaries and existing features. This ensures everything that follows is grounded in reality and can be built exactly as intended.
Masterplan
This is where the design starts to come together. The masterplan focuses on the layout and flow of the garden - how the space is organised, how areas connect, and how it will feel to move through it.
At this stage, you’ll see:
A 2D layout of the garden
Visuals and mood boards
Early ideas for materials and planting
The aim is to get the structure right before moving into the detail.
Detailed Design
Once the overall layout is agreed, we refine everything.
This includes:
Detailed plans for each area
Material specifications
Construction drawings
Levels and drainage
Lighting and irrigation where required
This is the stage that turns a concept into something that can actually be built, accurately and without guesswork.
Planting Design
Planting is what brings the garden to life. We develop a planting scheme that works with the space, the conditions, and the overall feel of the design. Whether it’s something structured and architectural or softer and more natural, it’s always considered as part of the whole.
Tender & Build Support
Once the design is complete, we can prepare a full tender package so contractors can price the project accurately. For clients in the South West, we’re often involved throughout the build - working with contractors, answering questions and making sure the design is delivered as intended.
For projects further afield, we provide everything needed for your chosen contractor to carry the project forward with confidence.
One of the most important parts of good garden design is making sure it actually works when it’s built.
Every design is developed with a clear understanding of construction, levels, materials and how things go together on site. That means fewer surprises later on — and a much smoother build process.
Yes! While we’re based in Devon, we work with clients across the UK on garden design projects. For projects further afield, we focus on delivering a clear, detailed design that can be implemented by your chosen contractor.
It depends on the scale of the project, but typically the design process takes several weeks to a few months. Larger projects, particularly those tied to house builds, can take longer as things develop over time.
Both are possible. Some clients want a complete design from start to finish, while others come to us for a specific stage — whether that’s layout, planting, or refining an existing idea.
For projects in Devon and the South West, we’re often involved throughout the build, working alongside contractors. For projects further afield, we provide all the information needed for your contractor and can offer support where needed.
A good garden isn’t just about how it looks, it’s about how it works. The layout, flow, levels and planting all need to come together so the space feels natural to use and suits how you live day to day.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're planning a new garden, or looking to transform an existing one, we'd love to hear about it.
Get in touch to arrange an initial consultation and start shaping your project.
@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.
I had this random idea on site one day after staring at some of the boulders lying around. Thankfully the @johnstonelandscapes team were actually excited to put these into place! 💪
They were heavy lifting and required some precision cuts to get the sat down nicely over the edges.
They were even free as we were using boulders reclaimed from the existing garden.
Sometimes the best details on a project come during the build itself. Thanks for always being adaptable @johnstone_landscapes_jake
I had this random idea on site one day after staring at some of the boulders lying around. Thankfully the @johnstonelandscapes team were actually excited to put these into place! 💪
They were heavy lifting and required some precision cuts to get the sat down nicely over the edges.
They were even free as we were using boulders reclaimed from the existing garden.
Sometimes the best details on a project come during the build itself. Thanks for always being adaptable @johnstone_landscapes_jake
