Frequently asked questions
About garden design. About Brighten My Garden.
When is a good time to start?
Anytime, including winter.
It’s best to get your designs ready as early as possible.
This gives you the best options to find plants and materials efficiently, and to arrange for the people needed to bring your new garden areas to life.
If you’re looking to enjoy your garden in spring or summer, we suggest planning in winter.
What happens during your first visit?
We like to get to know you and your garden.
We’ll ask:
- Which parts of your garden you’d like us to design and any problem areas.
- What you’d like to see and feel and how you want to use the space. We’d love it if you could describe your ideas or show us photos online or from books and magazines.
- Your preference for getting hands muddy (or not!)
- Your budget, if known. Don’t worry if you’re not sure. Most people come to this later.
We’ll explain our services and ask questions to help prepare your quote.
If possible, please put aside 1-2 hours.
(This first visit isn’t a garden survey. This comes next once we have agreed what we want to achieve.)
What’s your experience in garden design?
Our team has extensive experience in garden design and communication. Read more here.
Where do you work
We mostly work in Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, and Warwickshire from our base near Daventry in the village of Badby. However, we have projects across the country and work with partners online and in-person, so please get in touch.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on scope of your project. We provide a detailed quote after an initial visit.
- We charge based on the number of hours spent to complete each service, such as site analysis, planting plan, and help sourcing materials.
- The number of hours required depends on the size of your garden (or part of), your requirements, and how much you’d like to do yourself.
- Typically, small designs take 2-6 hours to create and discuss, while larger designs may take 7-15 hours.
- For the supply of products and materials, we are usually able to charge less than you would pay online or at a garden centre, so saving you money.
- When we supply plants, you’ll also know the plants will be great quality and love your garden. We suggest budgeting £20-£30 per square metre to buy plants, although feature plants do cost more.
- For products, materials, and services we don’t provide, such as gazebos and laying patios, we’ll tell you the likely costs and can help you find the best value options. This means you’ll have the overview of the project costs up front (and before anyone lifts a spade!).
Contact us for a free quote.
Will you help if I only have a small garden or want one border designed?
We’d be pleased to help. Please give us a ring.
Will you leave spaces if I want to add plants in the future?
Yes! That’s good fun. But we’ll always give you good ‘structure’ to work from and advise on plants that will grow well in your garden.
Some people prefer every space filled up.
The choice is yours.
We just love plants and providing you with a garden to be proud of!
How long does it take to design a garden?
The design process typically takes 3-6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project.
When are you available?
We usually reply to messages within 36 hours.
We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. Some evening and weekend appointments are available.
We usually arrange our first meeting within five working days and send quotes in another five.
Weekend and evening meetings can be made by arrangement.
Can I speak to your past customers?
Yes. Most of our customers kindly offer to speak to people thinking about booking Brighten My Garden. We’re very grateful for this, and proud.
Once you’ve received a quote from us, we’ll happily introduce you to a customer to discuss their experience of working with us.
Will you also build my garden after there’s a design?
We provide project plans to translate your designs into practical actions and (if helpful) phases. This means that you know who’s doing what and when, such as soil preparation and finding plants.
You can then choose to create the garden yourself or ask us and others to help.
See also planting plans, garden layout, and advice and maintenance services.
Do you offer garden maintenance?
We don’t provide regular garden maintenance services, but we may be able to find people to help you.
Every garden we design reflects your preferred level and type of maintenance. We also provide maintenance plans with pro-tips. See advice and maintenance services.
Are you insured and licenced?
We have public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
We also have waste disposal and drone licences.
You can request to see our certificates.
Read more about us.
Do I have to like gardening to work with you?
No. We believe good garden design should be accessible to everyone. You don’t have to be an avid gardener to deserve a lovely green space. It’s our job to work out what’s important to you and create a space to suit you and advise on maintenance.
If you are gardener though, we’ll help you develop your skills. We offer a range of personal workshops in your garden on pruning, organic gardening, and other subjects.
Do you work on commercial properties?
We design robust and beautiful planting displays for around offices, shops and car parks. We focus on giving a great first impression for your staff and customers, whatever the season. Read more about planting plans and garden layout services.
Note – we don’t design urban layouts and municipal functions, but can work with your landscape architect on planting details.
I live in rented accommodation. Can you still help me?
You’ll first need the garden owner’s permission to make changes.
Most landlords prefer low maintenance spaces, but most also allow garden features that look nice and make tenants happy.
Growing plants in containers and using moveable features can be handy, so you can take them with you!
Are you always so enthusiastic?
We love meeting people (and plants)
We love solving problems.
We love how every garden (and garden owner) is unique.
We love how gardens improve wellbeing and how people spend time with family and friends.
We love how gardening is accessible to everyone from the occasional gardener to specialists.
We love new plants and perspectives, whatever the weather.
We even love writing budgets.
So there’s lots to be enthusiastic about.
Do you help charities?
We sell plants in aid of charity in the village of Badby and some other events. We’ve donated hundreds of pounds.
Our designer Philip also opens his garden for charity with the National Open Gardens Scheme.
Do you give press interviews about gardening?
Yes. Please contact our director and designer Philip Turvil; an award winning horticultural journalist who is frequently interviewed by local radio and TV.
Do you give talks or attend community events?
We love exciting people with plants using fun facts and stories.
We give talks and run events online and in-person for societies and businesses. Please tell us about your event here.
We also run a regular plant stall in the village of Badby and sometime other places.
What’s your approach to garden irrigation?
Efficient watering is essential for a healthy garden and the natural environment. As well as a great time saver!
We design flexible and budget-friendly watering system for garden borders and pots. Contact us for a quote today.
What’s your approach to garden soil preparation?
It’s all in the soil! We assess soil type, pH level, and nutrient content. Then we advise on how best to manage soil.
If budget is tight, we suggest fewer plants and more compost!
How to contact
Email [email protected]
Phone 07701 296621
Or please use the form below.
We usually reply within 36 hours between Monday and Friday.
By sending your message, you agree to Brighten My Garden Ltd processing your personal data for the purpose of replying to your message.
We create attractive and practical designs
Pick and mix services that help you most.
Have flexibility – you don’t have to decide everything at once.