Plant-led garden design in Surrey
Gardens designed by Paul Studholme, where planting defines the space.
East Horsley, Cobham, Weybridge and the surrounding villages.
Every garden starts with plants. Structure, flow and atmosphere follow.
Many gardens are designed beautifully, with a considered layout and good hard landscaping throughout.
Few are planted well.
Paul designs around the plants first. Thirty years' experience in what grows where, from grasses like Calamagrostis in open borders to Acer palmatum in more sheltered spaces, and how a garden matures over time. The structure supports the planting, not the other way around.
Garden Design
The design process begins with a site consultation at your home. Paul listens to how you use the space, what isn't working, and what you want to grow. From there he develops a planting-led design that considers structure, seasonality and how the garden will look in five years, not just on day one. The result is a garden that settles quickly and improves with each season.
Paul also works with commercial clients on planting design and living wall projects across Surrey.
So much of a garden comes down to the right plants in the right places. Hedges for screening, pleached hornbeams for structure, specimen trees that anchor the garden. Knowing what to plant where, and how it will grow, takes years of practice. That knowledge is what Paul brings.
Specimen Planting
Living Walls
Living walls are becoming increasingly popular as a way to transform a blank space into something more interesting and usable, both commercially and domestically. They don’t just look good, they also improve the immediate environment, helping to soften hard surfaces and support cleaner air.
At The Plant Hunter, we design and install living walls that are built to last and perform well over time, not just in the first season.
Testimonials
“Paul implemented a design for both the back and front of our property which has attracted a lot of praise from friends and neighbours alike. Not only has it provided us with a more beautiful looking home and garden, but it has definitely increased the value of the property. Paul is a conscientious professional with a hard-working team behind him, and the outstanding results speak for themselves. I would not hesitate in recommending him for any landscaping or planting project.”
James, East Horsley
“From the initial design work right the way through to completion, Paul and his guys were a pleasure to work with. Great ideas on how we could develop our outdoor space and they worked full time to get the job done quickly, efficiently and on time, plus they always tidied up after themselves at the end of the day. We are amazed at the transformation that has taken place in less than 2 weeks!”
Andrew, Cobham
“We have used Paul and team a few times now, and always value his advice and experience. He’s full of good ideas and always delivers!
A pleasure to work with.”
Mike, Thames Ditton
“Paul is a highly talented professional who transformed our tricky town garden into an outdoor space we’re now truly proud of! His planting expertise and excellent eye for aesthetics is impressive. He is a pleasure to work with.
Thanks so much Paul, we’re really delighted with the results.”
Angela and Keith, Woking
“I am just so pleased I decided to ask our neighbour in Highfields who created their beautiful front garden, otherwise I would never have found you! You were certainly the best team for redesigning our garden. It is already giving me so much pleasure and it somehow feels so calm and tranquil.
You all worked so hard and did everything you could to please a very fussy lady! I am absolutely delighted with the outcome, and I can’t thank you enough.”
Sara, Ashstead
“The Plant Hunters were recommended to me and I would be happy to pass on that recommendation to anyone else thinking of using the firm. Paul and his team were hard working, diligent in their execution of the work, and creative in the elements of design. Our landscaping project finished on time, on budget, and to a high standard of workmanship.”
David, Surbiton
Arrange a consultation
The first step is a conversation about your garden and what you want from it. Paul takes on a limited number of projects each year, focusing on a small number of gardens at a time.