Kate Eyre Garden Design is one of London’s most experienced garden designers and has been designing and building outstanding bespoke gardens and landscapes for nearly two decades.
Our passion is to create stunning, life-enhancing outdoor spaces for our clients: beautiful, usable, with a strong sense of colour and style, and across a wide variety of properties and budgets, ranging from the small urban courtyard to large suburban gardens and everything in between.
Our primary approach is that your garden should complement your house, so that life may flow easily from one to the other. We aim to make your garden an integral part of your home, whether it's for relaxing, entertaining, or reconnecting with nature, and to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of both. From the overall layout to the smallest details, our designs reflect careful planning that will accommodate your lifestyle and local environment.
Whatever the style of your vision, we can realise it – be it low-maintenance contemporary, or naturalistic with lush greenery and flowers to support biodiversity, we will bring your perfect urban oasis to fruition. From imaginative planting schemes to harmonious hard landscaping, we will attend to every aspect with creativity and professionalism.
Your garden design and build
We deliver a comprehensive service, from design, construction and planting, through to completion. Together we will be focused on making your desired garden a reality.
Further information about the garden design process and the service we offer is provided below. For any queries not covered here, feel free to contact us.
How much does garden design cost in London?
Garden design fees in London typically range from £1,500 to £5,000+ depending on the size and complexity of the project. Our initial design package includes one unique proposal which includes coloured master plans and planting and materials mood boards. Build costs are quoted separately and vary based on materials, features and garden size. We work across a wide range of budgets — from compact urban courtyards to large family gardens.
What does the build cost include?
Once a design is finalised, we provide a detailed, itemised quote covering all aspects of construction and planting — hard landscaping, decking, planted beds, lighting, water features and any bespoke elements. There are no hidden costs. Our integrated design-and-build model means tight communication between the design team and build team, keeping your project on time and on budget.
What does the garden design process involve?
Our process begins with an initial consultation to understand your vision, lifestyle and budget. We then carry out a full site survey — measuring the space, assessing levels, soil conditions and existing plants. From this we create a unique design proposal, with a coloured master plan and mood boards for planting and materials. Once a design is agreed, we produce a detailed build specification and manage construction through to completion.
How long does a garden project take from start to finish?
A typical residential project in London takes between 3 and 6 months from initial consultation to completion. The design phase usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. Build timescales vary by scope, season and material lead times. We keep you informed at every stage so you always know what is happening and when.
Can you design the garden without building it?
Yes, we can provide a design-only service if you have your own landscaping contractor. This includes detailed planting plans, construction drawings and material specifications that your builder can work from directly. We can also offer project oversight during the build if you would like design continuity without us managing the entire build process.
Will you work with what is already in my garden?
We always carry out a careful assessment before making any recommendations. Mature trees, established hedging and characterful structures can add enormous value to a design, and we incorporate them wherever possible. We only advise removing plants or features when they conflict directly with the brief or are in poor condition. Starting with what is already there often produces the most distinctive and cost-effective results.
Do I need planning permission for garden work?
Most standard garden works – paving, decking, planted beds, lighting and garden features – do not require planning permission. However, you may need consent if your property is listed, is located in a conservation area, or if you are replacing a front garden with hard standing. Larger structures such as pergolas and outbuildings may also require approval. We advise on any planning considerations as part of our service.
What is the best time of year to have garden work done?
Hard landscaping can take place throughout the year. Planting is best done in autumn or spring when cooler, wetter conditions help new plants establish. We recommend starting your design conversations in late summer or early autumn to be ready for a spring build. We are often booked several months in advance, so getting in touch early helps secure your preferred slot.
Do you design small gardens and urban courtyards?
Yes – small gardens and courtyards are a central part of our London work. A compact space often demands more creativity, not less; every element must earn its place. We are experienced at making limited spaces feel generous, functional and beautiful, and have a strong portfolio of small garden projects across the city.
What is the difference between a garden designer and a landscape architect?
Garden designers specialise in the aesthetic and functional design of private residential outdoor spaces, covering planting, layout, materials and bespoke features. Landscape architects typically hold a chartered qualification and focus on larger-scale public or commercial projects. For most London residential gardens, a professional garden designer provides all the expertise and accountability you need.
Which areas of London do you work in?
We work across London, with a particular focus on South London (Dulwich, Streatham, Crystal Palace, Clapham, Herne Hill, Brixton), South-West London (Wimbledon, Wandsworth, Putney), North London (Hampstead, Highgate, Islington, St John's Wood) and Central London. We also take on projects across Greater London and the Home Counties.
How do I get started?
Get in touch via our contact page with a brief description of your garden and what you are hoping to achieve. We will arrange an initial consultation at the property – an opportunity to see the space together, discuss your ideas in detail and answer any questions. There is no obligation at this stage.
We have a proven track record of creating captivating and effective gardens for our clients. See some examples of our previous designs via our portfolio below.
