Garden Design

What I do

Garden design at Herts Tree & Garden is a collaborative process, combining practical expertise with creative vision. Working closely with Kev and the wider team, I bring a background in garden and planting design, supported by qualifications from Capel Manor and experience across interiors, art and design education. This blend allows me to create thoughtful, well-structured gardens that balance colour, texture and planting with how you want to use your outdoor space.

Whether you’re looking for a complete garden redesign, help refining an existing layout, or fresh planting ideas and plans, I can support you at any stage of your garden project — tailoring each design to suit your home, lifestyle and budget.

STEP 1

Initial Consultation

Understanding the client and the location is essential to a successful garden design. A free initial consultation is undertaken in person in order to view the garden and explore the client’s taste, style and garden requirements.

STEP 2

Survey and Designs

A survey is undertaken to establish garden dimensions, level changes and key features. This data is then used to create a scaled plan, by hand, of your garden. This develops into Initial Concepts and then a Final Design and Specification.

STEP 3

Planting Design and Plan

A planting scheme is designed to suit the particular growing conditions of your garden, to complement the garden design. Planting advice and plans are also available without the garden design as a means to enhance your garden display.
Garden Design in detail

Initial Consultation

Understanding the client and the location is essential to a successful garden design. A free initial consultation is undertaken in person in order to view the garden and explore the client’s taste, style and garden requirements.

Following this, I will produce and email a written ‘Client design brief’ that reflects discussions on the use of the garden, practical needs, style/taste, possible features, style of planting and a budget. I am happy to include a complimentary moodboard of ideas so that you can let me know at this early stage what ideas and themes you like

Survey and Designs

A survey is undertaken to establish garden dimensions, level changes and key features. This data is then used to create a scaled plan, by hand, of your garden. This develops into Initial Concepts and then a Final Design and Specification.

The images that you specify on the complimentary moodboard help me create the ‘ Initial concept designs.’ I usually produce 2 to 3 of these which vary in different looks and materials.These are for you to choose which garden design is preferred, along with which materials for example the paving, decking, screens, style of pergola.

After feedback from the Initial Concepts I will produce the ‘Final Design’ along with a Final Specification of materials to be used. A landscaper or builder can use this design to quote for the landscaping works

Garden Design from Kate Foster
garden design in {Town}

Planting Design and Plan

A planting scheme is designed to suit the particular growing conditions of your garden, to complement the garden design. Planting advice and plans are also available without the garden design as a means to enhance your garden display. I am very flexible and can create detailed planting schemes or I am happy to just order specific plants.

I can suggest palettes and various planting styles that introduce year round texture and structure, working with the client to include any preferred plants and colour schemes. I use computer software to produce a clear and detailed planting design with images and additional information on the plants used. I work with a local trade nursery to keep plant costs affordable.

A maintenance schedule can be produced to assist to make sure your garden looks fantastic year round. Herts Tree & Garden Services will also be able to assist with this.

I am finding that many clients require help with planting without the hard landscaping. Some clients may require advice for trees or ideas for hedging. Planting advice and plans are available without the garden design as a means to enhance your garden display. I am very flexible and can create detailed planting schemes or I am happy to just order specific plants

Our Past Work


Explore our extensive portfolio of projects in Hertfordshire, ranging from fence repairs to transformative Entire Garden and Landscape designs. Our services encompass a wide spectrum, including Tree services such as Tree Removal, Tree Pollarding, and Stump Grinding, meticulous Hedge Trimming and Shaping, efficient Hedge Removal, Fencing with options for New Fence Installation and Repairs, and comprehensive Garden Design and Landscaping. Every project is a testament to our dedication and expertise in creating outdoor spaces that delight and inspire.

St Albans Garden Revival

Championing our expertise in garden landscaping and maintenance services, we embarked on a transformative journey in St. Albans. Confronted with an overgrown jungle-like garden, our team embraced the challenge head-on. Amidst the thickets of fully grown trees and dense bushes, we envisioned a serene retreat. Meticulous planning led to the removal of the wild growth, [...]

Driveway Enhancement in St Albans

We have recently completed a project in St Albans, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the front drive area. The project involved the removal of a deteriorating wall, as well as the removal of ailing shrubs and hedges and creating new borders. Our team installed a new wall, complemented by a thoughtfully landscaped area. [...]

St Albans New Design Landscaping and Planting

This was our first start to finish project. Kate created 3 Initial Concepts and after discussions with the client a final design with material specification. Herts Tree and Gardens then landscaped the garden. Whilst the landscaping was being carried out Kate created planting ideas and a final plan for the client. The plants , from [...]

Contact me

St Albans