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Planting Design That Brings Gardens to Life

Planting is where a garden finds its soul. While structure and layout provide the framework, it is the planting that creates atmosphere, movement, texture and seasonal beauty. It softens architecture, connects a garden to its surroundings and transforms a well-designed space into a living, immersive landscape.

From intimate courtyards and urban retreats to expansive country gardens and Chelsea Flower Show gardens, planting has always been at the heart of our work. Our dedicated, RHS-qualified soft landscaping team delivers exceptional planting design in Surrey and surrounding areas, combining deep horticultural expertise with an instinctive understanding of place.

Our approach goes far beyond selecting attractive plants. We carefully consider soil conditions, aspect, microclimate and long-term performance, ensuring the right plants are chosen for the right environment and positioned where they can thrive. The result is a resilient, evolving landscape that feels natural, abundant and entirely at home in its surroundings.

FAQs

Do you include planting design as part of garden design?

Yes, although not in the conventional sense. We don’t produce rigid planting plans in the traditional grid-and-label format. Instead, we take a more visionary, creative approach, using moodboards, palette studies, and visual storytelling to shape the atmosphere and planting direction of a space. This gives Nic the artistic freedom to respond to the site in real time, making intuitive decisions during installation that result in a more dynamic, characterful, and impactful planting scheme. It’s planting as art, not just horticulture and it’s how we create truly memorable gardens.

How do you choose the right plants for my garden?

Plant choices are based on soil type, aspect, climate and how much maintenance you’d like. The aim is to create planting that thrives naturally while delivering year-round interest and structure.

Can you design low-maintenance planting schemes?

Yes. Low-maintenance planting focuses on robust plants, considered spacing and long-term structure. These schemes reduce ongoing upkeep while still offering a rich and considered aesthetic. However, all our gardens are plant focussed and we offer seasonal maintenance visits for major seasonal operations such as cutting back and mulching.

Do you consider wildlife and sustainability in your planting designs?

Yes. Where appropriate, planting schemes can support biodiversity through pollinator-friendly plants, varied habitats and sustainable material choices.

Do you design planting for year-round interest?

Yes. Planting schemes are carefully planned to provide structure, colour and texture across all seasons. This includes combining evergreen plants, seasonal interest and varied forms so the garden continues to look considered throughout the year, not just in summer.

Can you work with existing plants and trees?

Yes. Where possible, existing plants and trees are assessed and incorporated into the new planting design. Retaining established planting can add maturity and character to the garden while also supporting sustainability and continuity.

How do you take soil and aspect into account when designing planting?

Soil type, drainage, sunlight and exposure are all assessed as part of the planting design process. Plants are selected to suit these conditions rather than forcing unsuitable choices, helping ensure healthier growth and better long-term results.

Will the planting scheme suit my level of gardening experience?

Yes. Planting can always be tailored to how involved you’d like to be in the garden. Some clients enjoy getting stuck in, while others prefer something much lower maintenance.
That said, as our name suggests, we love plants and they’re always central to our designs. We aim to build clients’ confidence with plants over time, but if your ideal garden is white gravel and a couple of palm trees, we’re probably not the right fit.

Do you provide guidance on caring for plants after planting?

Yes. Clear aftercare guidance is provided to help plants establish successfully. This includes advice on watering, pruning and seasonal care so the planting continues to thrive and develop as intended. We also like to set up a WhatsApp group on garden completion so that we can provide quick and easy advice to the client and their regular garden maintenance personnel.

Explore Our Work

Customer Testimonials

Rated 5 stars on Google Reviews

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Chander Khemani
6 September 2025
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Beautiful landscaped garden central green circular turf lovely carefully selected plants surrounding the grass gives an amazing look In the front of the house beautiful patches of plants and turf something to be seen to be believed Very friendly helpful staff have created the garden in a very short time and has changed the look of property Thank you Nic and all the courteous staff at we love the plants
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Sue Wilson
5 September 2025
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Probably one of the most beautiful small spaces you could wish to see
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Abdul Waheed
13 August 2025
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Nice work you done
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Josh F
3 August 2025
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We are really happy with the garden design Nic and the team put together for us - we're amazed by how quickly everything has grown since the garden was planted last year. We've been able to really enjoy the garden this year! The team at We Love Plants are also very helpful and quick to respond when we have questions.
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Brian Songhurst
20 July 2025
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Nic and his team have transformed our sad, suburban garden (front and back) into something really wonderful which fills us with joy every day. Designed using shrubs, perennials and bulbs for year-round interest, it’s relatively easy to look after with some help from the maintenance team - who are a pleasure to have around and are always contactable for help and advice.
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Anna Lee
16 July 2025
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Nic and his team offer expert advice, planning and planting schemes. Always a pleasure to see them. The garden looks glorious and gains lots of admirers and compliments
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Paul Heard
18 October 2022
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My wife and our friend visited on the open garden day, we what a lovely garden and only 5 minutes up the road from where we live, amazing cafe as well....
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Anne Perseh
13 June 2022
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Open under the National Gardens Scheme. Beautifully tended. Lots of hidden corners. Well worth a visit when next open.
Posted on Google Google
Maxine Hollis
18 May 2022
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A lovely country garden with a modern twist and surprises around every corner followed by a delicious tea .

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Book a design consultation today and let’s discuss how we can create your dream outdoor space.
Call 01833 744020, email hello@weloveplants.co.uk or fill in the contact form below.

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