Many people are embarking on garden self‑build projects because they want to connect with nature via the process of creation. However, to be successful, your project will require a thoughtful design and plans to work from.
My dream is to use the many virtual ways we now have to communicate, to create bespoke, biodiverse garden designs for everyone, anywhere in the world, based on a process that respects your uniqueness, and the uniqueness of your project.
Review from Carol B, Lochfoot Garden (October 2023) ...
"The online process with Jen was so smooth from start to finish with excellent communication. I chose Jen as we live in the country and wanted to keep things wildlife friendly which is part of her vision. Her plans are very detailed and easy to follow with some great ideas and ultimately will probably save me money and keep me focused."
So, how does it work? …
To discover the potential of your space, I'll need photographs and dimensions. (I'll provide you with a simple illustration of which measurements to record. They won't need to be perfect, as I'll design your new garden with an adaptable layout.) I'll also ask you to describe everything you're hoping to include in your new garden, and collect inspirational pictures - these can be of gardens, features, or anything else that inspires you - to describe your unique vision.
Inspired by the geometry of nature, my adaptable design style has allowed me to develop a pared‑down information gathering process, which means I can focus on understanding your vision of what time spent in your new garden will look and feel like, and getting a sense of your individual aesthetic style, so that your new garden will be a living expression of that which inspires you.
Review from Paul and Lorraine S, Eastern Garden (March 2021) ...
"The way Jennifer had thought out the whole process of doing it all online was brilliant. The method of getting the information she required from us was logical and easy to supply. What she was able to create from the meagre amount of information we gave her was amazing. My wife and I are not gardeners but from her clear design drawings and planting layout we feel confident we shall have a garden to be proud of."
Review from Charles and Angela D, Kensington Way Garden (January 2025) ...
"Jennifer has listened to our various thoughts and preferences and created a garden design that is far better than we could have imagined."
My bespoke e‑Design process recognises that the design journey is different for every project. Consulting with you via email, I'll create a unique concept design that's tailored to your self‑build skills and resources.
I design gardens at every scale, no matter how large, small or unusual the space. My designs can paint in broad strokes across many acres, create a microhabitat for a balcony, transform a challenging shape into a balanced layout, or celebrate an existing feature. To me, the "problems" of your project are opportunities for creativity that will give your design a unique character unlike any other garden.
Open the projects in my PORTFOLIO to view complete bespoke designs. Each set of drawings includes a 3D hand‑rendered concept, a layout plan and a hand‑rendered planting plan.
Review from Rob and Leigh G, Donmouth Garden (May 2025) ...
"We decided to employ Jennifer as we were very impressed by her previous designs, and it was the best decision we have made. We were absolutely blown away with Jennifer’s vision for our new garden! She completely captured everything we could have hoped for."
Based on this bespoke concept design, I'll provide you with layout and planting plan drawings, including simple, adaptable palettes of material and plant suggestions. These plans are the blueprints for your garden self‑build project.
While I always keep your individual resources in mind, instead of focusing on the restrictions of budget, I've reversed the process so you can start with a concept that you love and then, because each of my designs is based on a strong concept with an adaptable layout geometry, you have the freedom to be flexible in the details, such as choice of materials. Your plans are intended to be forwarded to contractors and suppliers so that you can easily compare quotes, and shop for materials, features and plants. With a strong concept design and comprehensive plans to refer to, you can be your own project manager, with the freedom to choose how and when to approach each element of the design. You can choose to bring the garden to life in phases, and create a hybrid self‑build project where the balance between DIY and using specialist contractors best suits your skills and resources.
Review from Patricia B, Diptford Garden (June 2024) ...
"We didn’t want project management landscaping as we were asked to project up front what we planned to spend and we didn’t know costs nor needs. I wanted to have design ideas and planting knowledge and then take each garden section slowly buying in materials and plants when sales, bargains and workforce allowed. This way we could work slowly in our own time towards our goal. I am so glad that we found Jennifer as she gave us just that and more. We have lovely landscaping ideas we wouldn’t have thought of ourselves and beautiful planting ideas and swaps that can be made amongst the plants. Jennifer asked so much detail about us and what we hoped to achieve, developed a beautiful garden plan for this space that blended in so well with our surroundings and the planting, lighting and water features were thoughtfully included and detailed too."
For a bespoke e-Design quote, please send me a description of your project, including the size of your space (and some photographs if possible) to jen@jen‑gardens.com or use the form on my CONTACT page to ask me a question.