Benefits of garden design

Good garden design will provide you with an outside space that is suited to your needs and add value to your property. Just as with your home, construction in the garden is an investment so it is worth spending the time to find the right garden designer. After all, getting it right first time saves you money.

Spatial design is at the heart of all great garden design.  Elks-Smith Garden Design possesses the creative and imaginative skill coupled with extensive horticultural knowledge and excellent spatial design to ensure your space will work for you.

Terraces, seating, vegetable gardens, greenhouses, play equipment must all be positioned correctly and have the right connections.  Gardens need to look good and function well. Not just now but in the future.

Garden design realised by teamwork

Truly special gardens do not happen by accident, they are the result of talented designers working together with skilled craftsmen and artisans.

Elks-Smith Garden Design is not affiliated with any contractors or suppliers, which means we are free to hire the best craftsmen for the job and are able to secure the best price possible. We work with a range of specialists in fields such as construction, landscaping, architecture and irrigation to name but a few and can call on them on them when necessary.

Our knowledge of garden features such as furniture, containers, seating and sculptures is second to none. We are happy to work with you to find products that suit you, your garden and your budget.

Wildlife matters

Gardens are becoming increasingly important habitats for our native wildlife. With a little creativity and careful design your garden can provide a safe haven for you and our beleaguered bumble bees, butterflies and birds!

Consider going green in your garden. Not only are flowering plants visually appealing, they are a valuable year round food source. Natural swimming pools always look beautiful, warm up fast in the sun saving you money on heating and have naturally cleaned water which spares wildlife harmful chemicals.

For an additional boost think of the power of solar technology – solar panels and solar insulated pool covers can provide heat without harm.

Lead designer Helen Elks-Smith MSGD

Elks-Smith Garden Design is headed up by award winning garden designer Helen Elks-Smith BSC(Hons)Dip GD, Cert. Hort. MSGD. Helen is passionate about garden design and has the unique ability to think both creatively and technically enabling her to create beautiful yet functional gardens. Helen is a registered member of the Society of Garden Designers (SGD).

The Society of Garden Designers (SGD)

The Society of Garden Designers is an association whose Registered Members are full-time talented professionals in garden design. Apart from the Irish GLDA it is the only professional association that represents garden designers in Europe, and has Members working in various locations all over the world. Membership is coveted with the SGD representing the top 2% of garden designers in the UK.

The Society was established in 1981 in order to identify those designers whose work is of the highest professional standard. Emphasis is placed on the excellence of work, and the Society’s Code of Practice is a statement of principles designed to protect the interests of both clients and members alike.

Why MSGD matters to you.

Only Registered Members of the SGD with proven experience are permitted to use the letters MSGD, denoting Registered Member of the Society of Garden Designers.

Academic training forms only a part of Registered Members’ qualifications, for they must also show practical ability based on experience.

Portfolio

All of the photographs on this website feature gardens designed by Elks-Smith Garden Design. Many of these and other gardens in our extensive portfolio are available to view by prior arrangement with clients.