ABOUT
From our studio in South-East London, we offer high-quality imaginative garden design and planting design to homeowners, commercial clients, architects and property developers.
We can take on projects across the United Kingdom and further afield.
Close to home we work mainly in:
London - all areas of London, including Dulwich, Clapham, Brixton, Streatham and Blackheath.
Surrey including Woldingham, Purley, Oxted, Reigate, Epsom, Wimbledon and Kingswood.
Kent including Sevenoaks, Farnborough, Orpington, Chislehurst, Beckenham and Bromley.
A well-designed garden can breathe new life into your site
A garden should capture the spirit of a place. It should bring together nature, functionality and beauty in a design that lasts.
A garden should also enhance the lives of the people in it. That's why we take the time to get to know you. We'll talk about your lifestyle and what you want and need from your garden, so we can unlock its full potential.
About Sonya
I studied at the Oxford College of Garden Design, where I was taught by some of the industry's leading designers and specialists.
I previously worked as a City lawyer, and realised over time that I wanted to pursue a more creative career.
Garden design combines my love of plants, the outdoors and great design. It was a natural choice for me.
My previous career means I bring a professional approach to garden design and my clients' needs. It's important to me that we achieve value, together with high-quality, lasting, beautiful design.
Contact me to discuss how best to transform your outdoor space.
Find me on Instagram @sonyapintogardens
WHAT WE OFFER
Garden Design
Your garden can be exciting and unique. If you lead a busy life or aren't a keen gardener, it can be low maintenance.
We take on projects of all sizes and budgets. The smallest courtyards and balconies. Back gardens and front driveways. Whole large rural sites and commercial projects.
Talk to us if you consider your site difficult to develop. Maybe it has more shade than sun. Perhaps it has a steep slope, or it's overlooked by neighbours. We love a challenge and can find ways to unlock the potential and beauty of your site.
Take a look at our process and portfolio to find out more.
Planting Design
Bring back the magic by replanting your existing garden or a forlorn border. Or try a container garden to breathe life into a smaller space.
Share your thoughts with us on your desired planting style. We'll suggest our ideas and then produce a planting "palette", to be built into a complete planting plan, unique to your garden.
We'll source your plants from trusted nurseries, set them out and plant them for you. We'll advise you on aftercare and arrange maintenance if needed.
Whether you're a keen gardener or need something low-maintenance, your planting will be designed to bring year-round interest and lasting enjoyment.
Container gardens
A versatile way to brighten a balcony, terrace or the entrance to your home.
Fruit and herbs by your kitchen, ready to pick? An ornamental tree beautifully underplanted?
We can transform a bare site, bringing foliage, fragrance, flowers and berries.
For Architects and Property Developers
We can provide planning input with quick turnarounds.
Do you have an upcoming planning application? We can prepare the planting plans or produce a whole-site design including car park layout.
We can carry out the planting for you, and even help arrange the garden build, going to competitive tender and selecting experienced garden contractors.
Get in touch for more information or to arrange a meeting.
OUR GARDEN DESIGN PROCESS
We follow a clear process for each project, to give you a garden you can enjoy for years to come.
We'll talk about how you want the garden to feel, be it naturalistic, contemporary, a romantic "cottage" style or something different that pushes boundaries.
PHASE 1 - CONSULTATION AND BRIEF
What do you want from your garden? Let's talk!
We start with a free 15-minute phone consultation. This is followed by a site visit where we listen to your wants and needs for your garden, and get a feel for your existing space. We'll also discuss maintenance. If you're doing it yourself, how much time do you have for gardening? Will you bring in someone to help? There is a small fee for the site visit, later offset from the design fee.
After the site visit, we send you a written brief detailing fee structure, design process and a comprehensive summary of your goals for the project.
PHASE 2 - CONCEPT DESIGN
Initial drawings for presentation to you
The start of the design process. We arrange a topographical survey capturing the layout of the site plus ground levels and utilities. A "concept" master plan is produced and presented to you, along with sketches, perspectives, visuals and mood boards, to bring your design to life.
The focus at this stage is layout. We adjust and tailor to meet your needs. Once agreed, this concept design forms the basis for all subsequent design work.
PHASE 3 - DEVELOPED DESIGN
Finalising the design, creating a "master plan" for your garden
We develop the concept design into an overall master plan. We propose material palettes, spatial arrangements, and a sample planting palette to give you a clear idea of the planting style we have in mind. Our images will give you a real feel for the space.
PHASE 4 - TECHNICAL DESIGN
Drawings for contractors
Once the master plan is approved, we develop the technical drawings that will be used by the contractors. This includes setting-out plans, lighting locations, drainage, re-shaped levels/contours, irrigation and any necessary construction details for structural engineer sign off.
PHASE 5 - PLANTING PLAN
A plant lookbook for you; clear details for the team planting up your garden
We produce a planting plan showing the locations of all the proposed plants.
A plant schedule will list exact names, sizes and quantities used for costing, ordering and setting out plants, for use by the team.
To bring all this to life, we provide a moodboard of all plants, which serves as a "menu" or "lookbook" of the plants we'll include and the feel we're aiming for. A maintenance schedule is also supplied, to be used by you or a professional.
PHASE 6 - TENDER DOCUMENTS AND SITE INSPECTION
Bringing in experienced contractors
Competitive tender is an important part of the garden design process, allowing clients to choose a well-regarded contractor and achieve value for money.
The tender package is prepared and sent to contractors, requesting quotes. We contact a range of trusted contractors, experienced in bringing high quality gardens to life. You can also use a contractor of your choosing, if you wish.
During the build, we can conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, update you as needed, respond to changes and ensure the garden is built according to the plans.
The frequency of site visits is up to you. It can be just at the start and finish of a build, or weekly minuted meetings.
Sonya will personally set out the plants when the build is complete.
GET IN TOUCH
Discuss your project with Sonya today