For changing garden conditions
Climate-resilient
garden design.
Less wasted watering.
More shade. Better use of rain.
Does the lawn dry out in summer, the terrace overheat, or rain run off too quickly or pool in the garden? I start with the links between light, soil, water and plants, so improvements support one another.
See what the audit includes
01 / Familiar situations
The same problems
again and again?
You plant something new, only to lose it in the same spot again. The lawn takes ever more time and water, yet the garden still isn’t what you hoped for.
Before spending on more plants or watering, it helps to understand why the problems return. Too little shade, soil condition and the path of rainwater may be linked; looking at them together helps identify likely causes.
02 / When does an audit help?
Understand first.
Then make changes.
Shade may be the starting point for a hot seating area; mulch may help a bed that dries quickly. The audit looks at which changes make sense for your garden and how they should build on one another.
An online climate adaptation audit is a good choice if you want answers to recurring issues in an existing garden, would like to improve it gradually, or need a sounder professional basis before a major investment.
03 / What does the audit include?
A clear picture.
A practical order of steps.
Using your garden photos, a plan or sketch and your observations, you receive a tailored digital assessment and set of recommendations to help you choose which changes to make and where to put time and money first.
Detailed plant positions and quantities, a dimensioned garden layout, and technical drainage and irrigation plans are separate design tasks.
- Current conditions and possible causes of recurring issues
- I review sunny, shaded and wind-exposed areas, signs of overheating and drying, and your observations about soil and plants. I summarise the connections, what’s worth keeping and questions that need clarification.
- Shade, water retention and changes to surfaces
- You receive suggestions on where more shade, less paving or replacing part of the lawn may help. I review rainwater routes, retention options and watering habits, noting which measures need further investigation or sizing.
- Targeted plant recommendations
- I recommend specific species and, where needed, cultivars for shade, lawn alternatives and replacing plants poorly suited to the local climate. Choices reflect light, soil, water, care, the garden’s users and wildlife.
- Soil care and maintenance guidance
- You receive garden-specific advice on mulching, adding organic matter and more considered watering. I also cover care for new plants and key seasonal tasks, so you can sustain the changes over time.
- A three-stage improvement plan
- I group recommendations into quick actions, medium-term improvements and larger works that need planning. I explain the priorities and which steps depend on others.
- Further surveys and design needs
- The assessment clearly notes the limits of the available information. I point out where a site survey, detailed planting plan or specialist input is needed before work begins.
04 / Optional additional services
Further support,
when you need it.
You can add the following services to the written audit. They are separate commissions; we agree on their scope and fee in advance.
- Online consultation on the audit findings
- We discuss the assessment, the reasoning behind the recommendations and your questions. I help you choose realistic first steps.
- Follow-up
- After a stage of work or a summer season, we review changes using new photos and your experience. If needed, I refine care advice and next steps.
- Detailed rain garden design
- Once the site’s suitability is established, I develop the rain garden’s location and planting. We coordinate investigations and technical sizing for the catchment, soil and safe overflow with a specialist designer.
- Plant selection for roof gardens
- I recommend plants based on the known growing medium, sunlight, wind exposure and water supply. Technical conditions must be clarified first; structural, build-up and construction design are not included.
05 / Before we begin
A few questions.
Precise answers.
Is the audit suitable for existing gardens and empty plots?
The audit mainly supports gradual changes to existing private gardens. On empty plots it can clarify shade, water retention and plant choices; for a full spatial layout, I recommend a concept or detailed garden plan.
How does the online audit work?
I assess the garden using your information, plan, photos and experience. Your first email only needs the town, approximate size and main issues. We request detailed images and data once the task is agreed.
What if I don’t have an accurate site plan?
I first review the sketch and photos you have. We clarify what can be added with more images or measurements and whether a site survey is needed.
Will I get specific plant recommendations?
Yes. I recommend species and, where needed, cultivars suited to the proposed changes, site and care available. A planting plan with exact positions and quantities, and a dimensioned garden layout, are separate documents.
Does the assessment cover rain gardens and irrigation?
Yes, I review current watering and opportunities to retain rainwater. The audit does not replace sizing for rain gardens, soakaways or irrigation systems. For drainage affecting buildings, retaining walls, neighbouring land or utilities, I recommend involving a specialist designer.
The next step fits your garden
See where
we can begin.
If you want to understand your garden’s problems first, explore the audit package and price. If you’re ready to plan the whole layout, see what the garden plans include.
Audit package and prices I’d like a detailed garden plan