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, Wandsworth, Putney and Streatham.
Surrey including Purley, Coulsdon, Oxted, Woldingham, Reigate, Epsom, Wimbledon and Kingswood.
Kent including Sevenoaks, 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.
Garden design combines my love of plants, the outdoors and great design. It was a natural choice for me.
My previous career as a City lawyer 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. Large rural sites and commercial projects.
Talk to us if you consider your site difficult to develop - more shade than sun? A steep slope? 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 enliven a smaller space.
We'll help you choose a planting style and will produce a complete planting plan, unique to your garden.
Your plants will be sourced from trusted nurseries and planted for you. We'll advise you on aftercare and arrange maintenance if needed.
Whether you're a keen gardener or prefer a low-maintenance approach, your planting will be designed to bring year-round interest and lasting enjoyment.
Container gardens
Brighten a terrace, balcony or the entrance to your home.
Fruit and herbs by your kitchen, ready to pick? An ornamental tree beautifully underplanted?
We can bring foliage, fragrance, flowers and berries to forgotten corners.
For Architects and Property Developers
We can provide planning input with quick turnarounds.
For planning applications, 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 help arrange the garden build, using experienced landscaping contractors.
Get in touch for more information.
OUR GARDEN DESIGN PROCESS
CONSULTATION AND BRIEF
What do you want from your garden? Let's talk.
A free 15-minute phone consultation, followed by a site visit.
You tell us your wants and needs for your garden. How you want it to feel - naturalistic; contemporary; a romantic "cottage" style? Or do you want something different that pushes boundaries?
We'll get a feel for the space and an understanding of how much maintenance you, or a gardener, will do.
After our visit, you'll receive a written brief setting out your goals for the project, our process and our fees.
PHASE 1 - CONCEPT DESIGN
Initial plan for presentation to you
The start of the design process. The focus at this stage is layout.
We arrange a topographical survey capturing the current layout of the site plus ground levels and utilities.
You receive a "concept" design, along with sketches, "3D" perspectives and mood boards, bringing the design to life.
We adjust and tailor to meet your needs. Once agreed, this concept design forms the basis for all subsequent work.
PHASE 2 - DEVELOPED DESIGN
A final "master plan" for your garden
We turn the concept design into an overall master plan. We propose material palettes, spatial arrangements, and a sample planting palette, with images to give you a real feel for what the space can become.
PHASE 3 - TECHNICAL DRAWINGS
Drawings for contractors
Once the master plan is approved, we produce technical drawings for use 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 4 - PLANTING PLANS
Selecting your new plants
After agreeing a planting budget with you, we produce a plan showing the location each new plant.
Once the garden is built, we supply these plants and set them out according to the planting plan.
You'll receive a "lookbook" identifying each newly-added species and a plant maintenance guide.
PHASE 5 - BUILD & SITE INSPECTION
Experienced contractors and a point of contact for you
We can help you choose an experienced, well-regarded contractor. A competitive tender process is also possible.
During the build, we can conduct 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.
We will set out the plants when the build is complete.
GET IN TOUCH
Discuss your project with Sonya today